| Karwa
Chauth: Fast for Married Women |
 |
| What
You Need to Know About |
'Karwa Chauth'
is a ritual of fasting observed by married Hindu
women seeking the longevity, well-being and prosperity of their husbands. It
is popular amongst married women in the northern and western parts of India,
especially, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
This festival comes
9 days before Diwali on 'kartik ki chauth', i.e.,
on the fourth day of the new moon immediately after Dusshera,
in the month of 'Karthik' (October-November).
The
Meaning
The term 'Chauth' means the 'fourth day' and 'Karwa' is an earthen pot with
a spout - a symbol of peace and prosperity - that
is necessary for the rituals. Hence the name 'Karwa Chauth'.
The
Ritual
Married women keep a strict fast and do not take even a drop of water. They
get up early in the morning, perform their ablutions, and wear new and festive
raiment. Shiva, Parvati and their son Kartikeya
are worshipped on this day along with the 10 'karwas' (earthen pots) filled
with sweets. The Karwas are given to daughters and sisters along with gifts.
The
Fast
It is the most important and difficult fast observed by married Hindu women.
(Unmarried women, widows, and spinsters are barred from observing this fast.)
It begins before sunrise and ends only after offering prayers and worshipping
the moon at night. No food or water can be taken after sunrise. The fast is
broken once the moon is sighted and rituals of the day have been performed.
At night when the moon appears, women break their fast after offering water
to the moon.
The
Custom
In the evening, women dress up in special clothes, usually a red or pink
sari or 'lehenga-choli' with gold woven 'zari' patterns. New brides often wear
their bridal costume. All deck up in jewelry and wear 'mehendi'
or henna patterns especially on the hands. Decorative 'bindis'
on the forehead are a must for all women taking part in this celebration. Fasting
women from all over the neighborhood gather in a group and narrate mythological
stories that underscore the significance of Karwa Chauth. And, of couse, all
wives expect lavish gifts from their husbands!
The fast of Karwa
Chawth truly sets the merry tone of the fun and frolic, festivity and feasting
that come in good measure during Diwali — the biggest festival of the Hindus.
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