Defence Wards Matrimony

Karva Chauth as we all know is an important festival for married Hindu women, especially those from in the Northern Regions of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

Women observe a Nirjala fast, i.e., without food and water, for the safety and longevity of their husbands. Usually, married women keep Karva Chauth, however, unmarried women can also observe this fast for their prospective grooms.

At the day of the festival, married women wake up early in the morning at sunrise to eat sargi – a dish prepared by their mother-in-law. After eating sragi, women observe the nirjala fast and stay without food and water all day until they see the moon. On this day, women pray to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Kartik. in the evening, they perform Puja, offer food to the deities and pray for the safety and longevity of their husbands. Once the moon is out, women look at the moon and then their husbands and through a sieve, after which, water is offered to the moon to seek its blessings. Husbands then offer some water to their wives to break the fast.

Karva Chauth signifies a sacred bonding between husband and wife. Though this band is primarily a sacrosanct one, astrologically, it is believed to be a sacred association of two soulmates.

The women keep fasts for the prosperity, longevity and well being of their husbands, the husbands often buy gifts for their wives. This important family occasion shows the love and patience women bear for their loved ones. They usually wear red and don’t do any housework on this day, and perform Pujas all day long for their husbands. The husbands also usually take early leave from their work. This festival shows the deep bond shared between a husband and wife.

Karva Chauth has evolved into a modern-day festival as in contemporary times it is celebrated as a romantic occasion.