A beloved Hindu holiday, Karva Chauth honors the holy union of a husband and wife as well as love and devotion. This event, which is celebrated on the fourth day of the dark half of the Hindu month Kartik, is very important to married women in North India. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the dark half of the Hindu month of Kartik.
Karva Chauth Vrat Rules
The Pre-Dawn Fast:
Karva Chauth commences with an auspicious pre-dawn fast that begins before the first rays of sunlight grace the sky. This fast continues throughout the day until the moon makes its appearance in the night sky. Only after sighting the moon is the fast considered complete, and women can partake in a meal.
The Worship of the Divine Family:
On the evening of Karva Chauth, one hour before the moonrise, families gather to worship the divine family, which includes Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Nandi, Ganesh Ji, and Kartikeya Ji. During this sacred ritual, the idols or pictures of the gods face the west direction, while the worshipers sit facing the east, symbolizing the convergence of divine energies.
Karva Chauth Katha: The Legend
The Tale of Karva:
The heartwarming legend of Karva Chauth Vrat Katha narrates the story of Karva, a young woman with unyielding devotion. Karva had seven brothers and observed a fast on Karva Chauth to ensure the longevity of her husband. However, when her brothers insisted that she break her fast prematurely, a clever trick led her to eat before the moonrise. Tragically, news of her husband’s demise arrived shortly after. The next year, Karva’s spouse came back to life thanks to her unyielding resolve and strict observation of the fast, thereby solidifying Karva Chauth’s sanctity.
Puja Vidhi For Karva Chauth Vrat
Preparations and Vow:
Married women get up before sunrise, get ready, and clean the space used for worship. They eat breakfast with their mother-in-law’s meal to start the day. Then they worship the gods and earnestly swear to keep the fast throughout the day without drinking even a drop of water.
Evening Rituals:
In the evening, a special earthen platform is adorned with idols or pictures of gods and goddesses. Ten to thirteen earthen pots, known as “Karva” in Hindi and Punjabi, are also placed on the platform. A worship plate is prepared, which includes Dhoop (incense), Deep (wick lamp), Chandan (sandalwood paste), Roli (turmeric and slaked lime powder), Sindoor (vermillion), and more. The lamp is filled with Ghee (purified butter) for a sustained flame. The worship begins an hour before the moonrise, ideally with the participation of all the women in the family. During this time, the Karva Chauth Katha is recited.
Moon Sighting and Blessings:
Moon sighting is a pivotal moment in the Karva Chauth rituals. The moon is traditionally viewed through a sieve, and Arghya (offering water) is presented to the moon as a mark of reverence. Next, the daughter-in-law presents her mother-in-law with a beautifully adorned plate containing dried fruits, chocolates, money, and other items in order to ask for her blessings. The mother-in-law bestows upon her the wish for perpetual prosperity in exchange.
Sargi In Karva Chauth
The Pre-Dawn Feast:
The day of Karva Chauth in Punjab begins with Sargi, a special pre-dawn meal for fasting women. This meal typically includes Fenia (vermicelli). If the fasting woman’s mother-in-law is present, she often prepares the Sargi. In the evening, fasting women come together to perform the Feri ritual. They sit in a circle, each holding their worship plate, and rotate their Thalis while reciting the Karva Chauth Katha. In some regions, such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, women also worship Gaur Mata, typically represented by an idol made of cow dung.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?
Karwa Chauth is celebrated by married women to pray for the long and prosperous life of their husbands. This sacred observance falls on the Chaturthi Tithi in the month of Kartik during the Krishna Paksha.
2. Can unmarried girls observe Karwa Chauth?
Yes, unmarried girls can observe Karwa Chauth as well. There is no compulsion for them to break the fast after sighting the moon.
3. What should married women do on Karwa Chauth?
Married women should start their day early, take a bath, partake in Sargi, and commit to fasting. After sighting the moon and offering prayers to Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati, and Lord Ganesha, they can finally break their fast by consuming water and food.
Conclusion:
Karva Chauth is a celebration of married couples’ love and commitment, not just a holiday. As married women fast, pray, and share in the rituals with their families, Karva Chauth continues to be a cherished tradition that reinforces the significance of love, sacrifice, and togetherness. This sacred observance is a shining example of the rich cultural tapestry that is India.
