Karwa Chauth is a significant fasting ritual observed by married Hindu women, mainly in North India, to pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. This day falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. The key elements of the Karwa Chauth vrat (fasting) include:
Dawn to Moonrise Fasting: Women fast from sunrise until they can sight the moon in the evening. They abstain from food and water during this time, making it a rigorous fast.
Sargi: Before sunrise, the mother-in-law presents the daughter-in-law with a pre-dawn meal called “Sargi” containing various sweets, fruits, and other dishes to help her sustain throughout the day.
Worship: During the day, women engage in various rituals and prayers, often gathering in groups to read the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha (a story narrating the significance of the fast).
Moon Sighting: The fast is broken after the moon is sighted. The woman views the moon through a sieve and then looks at her husband, offering prayers for his well-being.
Husband’s Involvement: Husbands often play a role in the ceremony by giving water and food to their wives after the moon sighting.
Karwa Chauth is not only a religious observance but also a celebration of the marital bond, strengthening the connection between spouses through traditions, prayers, and love.
