Karwa Chauth is a day of profound significance, love, and unwavering devotion. This day-long fast is not just about abstaining from food and water; it’s a heartfelt expression of a wife’s love and respect for her husband. As the crimson moonrise marks the culmination of this fast, let’s delve into the rituals and their deeper meanings that make Karwa Chauth a cherished tradition for married couples.
The Pre-Dawn Meal (Sargi)
Before the fast begins, women partake in a pre-dawn meal, Sargi, prepared by their mother-in-law. This meal typically includes a variety of foods, such as fruits, sweets, and mathri, which provide sustenance throughout the day. Sargi signifies blessings from the elders, symbolising their support for the woman’s successful fast.
Via: Times Foodie
Fasting from Sunrise to Moonrise
Karwa Chauth fast involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise until the sighting of the moon. The fast is rigorous and reflects a wife’s unwavering determination and love for her husband. It is a form of penance, and women often spend the day in prayer and meditation.
Via: Ayesha Shaikh
Applying Mehendi
Decorating hands with intricate mehendi patterns is a beloved Karwa Chauth tradition. The designs not only add beauty but also signify the bond of matrimony. It is believed that the deeper the colour of the mehendi, the stronger the husband-wife relationship will be.
Via: RJ Mehandi Artist
Offering Prayers
As evening approaches, women gather in a group to recite Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, a story that narrates the significance of the fast and the legend of Queen Veervati. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the moon for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
Via: Divine Collections
Viewing the Moon
The most-awaited moment arrives when women break their fast after sighting the moon. They look at the moon through a sieve and then at their husband’s face. This act signifies the end of their fast and is often accompanied by a beautiful and emotional ritual of exchanging sweets and water.
Via: Bollywood Shaadis
Seeking Blessings
After the fast is broken, women receive blessings from their husbands. The husband offers a gift, typically a piece of jewellery, as a token of love and appreciation for the wife’s devotion and sacrifice.
Via: GIVA
Karwa Chauth rituals are not just a tradition but a testament to the enduring love and dedication that bind married couples. This festival celebrates the sacred bond between husband and wife and is a beautiful reminder of the power of love, faith, and unity in marriage.
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