The auspicious Hindu festival of Karwa Chauth, also known as Karak Chaturthi, is slated to be celebrated on November 1 this year. Women observe a tough nirjala vrat (fasting without food and water) on this day for a happy married life and for the long life of their husbands.
It’s a daylong fast, which starts after sunrise and ends after moonrise. Women break their fast after performing a puja and drinking a sip of water offered to them by their husbands. The festival also witnesses prayers and offerings to Lord Ganesh, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya.
Karwa Chauth is celebrated on Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar. This year Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on November 1.
Do’s And Don’ts of Karwa Chauth Fast
Wearing Auspicious Colours: It’s considered auspicious to wear red clothes on Karwa Chauth as the colour represents prosperity, vibrancy and vigour. Other acceptable colours include yellow, green, pink, orange, black, and white.
Solah Sringar and Mehendi: It should be noted that the tradition of Solah Shringar (sixteen forms of adornments) is followed by married women keeping Karwa Chauth fast. They should apply mehndi on their hands. Mangalsutra, nose pins, bindis, bangles, earrings, rings, and other accessories are worn as a part of rituals to ensure good fortune and happy married life.
Sargi Ritual: Sargi is an integral part of the Karwa Chauth puja. It is a special thali with different foods and gifts presented by the mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law. Sargi comprises fruits, coconut, meethi mathri, dry fruits, sweets and other items.
Balanced Pre-dawn Meal: Protein and carbohydrate-rich foods should be included in the pre-dawn meal because they take longer to digest and keep your stomach filled.
Hydration: Drink a lot of water before starting the fast so that you do not experience dehydration with headaches and fatigue. Consuming fresh fruit juices is a recommended addition to your liquid intake. It is advisable to avoid coffee and tea since they promote acidity.
Baya Offering: During the Karwa Chauth celebrations, daughters-in-law send to their mothers-in-law a special Karwa Chauth gift, known as Baya, comprising items like clothes, jewellery, food, and utensils. It is critical to get blessings from your mother-in-law after you present her with the Baya.
Participation in Evening Puja: The married women observing the fast should participate in the evening Karwa Chauth puja and attend the Katha. It’s believed that this is the final ritual and skipping this keeps your nirjala vrat incomplete.
Don’ts of Karwa Chauth Vrat
Avoid Sharp Objects: Women observing the Karwa Chauth fast should not cut their hair or nails as well as should not use needles or scissors on this day.
Don’t Fast During Pregnancy: Karwa Chauth fast is stressful for pregnant women and may affect the health of the baby.
Refrain From Consuming Non-vegetarian Food: On this day, married women and their families should not eat foods of a tamasic nature, such as non-vegetarian food.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Oct 28, 2023 11:36 AM IST
