Karwa Chauth in 2013, the day of observing fast for the longevity and prosperity of husband is on 22nd October. Karwa means an earthen pot with a stout representing peace and prosperity. Chauth means the fourth day. Karwa Chauth comes 9 days before Diwali on the fourth day of the new moon, also known as 'kartik ki chauth'.
Karwa Chauth is not just a ritual but a very grand day for the married Hindu women. Karva Chauth fast is highly popular among the women of Northern and Western India, especially, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
Puja Muhurat and Moonrise time
Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat = 5:42 pm - 6:56 pm
Complete puja duration = 1 hr 14 mins
Moonrise timing = 8:31 pm
Click here to know moonrise timing in major cities of India - Karwa Chauth Moonrise Timing
When The Fast Begins and Ends
Karva Chauth begins before sunrise and ends after worshipping moon at night. Intake of food or water is prohibited after sunrise. The fast is broken after witnessing the moon and performing the rituals of this auspicious day including offering of water to the moon.
Evening Puja
. 
In the evening, women dress traditionally in red or pink sari or lehenga-choli. New brides mostly wear their bridal costume. They adorn themselves with jewelry, bridal makeup and mehendi (henna) on their hands. They highlight their forehead with decorative bindi. Women from all over the neighborhood gather to perform the ‘thali exchange’ ritual while singing the Karwa Chauth song. An elderly woman narrates a Karwa Chauth story and its significance to all the women.
Traditional 'Sargi'
Newly-weds, married women and brides-to-be get gifts and pots of baskets from their mother-in-laws who fill the earthen pots with Sargi (customary food which consists of fruits, nuts, fried potatoes and sweets) which is consumed by the women before sunrise.
'Baya'
The 'baya' includes money, earthen pitcher, clothes, jewelry and sweets sent by a woman's mother to her in-law's household.
Breaking The Fast
The fast comes to an end in the evening after sighting the moon in the presence of the husband. In a traditional thali, women light earthen lamps and keep a vessel filled with water. The husband stands in front of his wife and she sees the moon through a sieve (a filter). They offer water to the moon and look at their husbands through the sieve and pray for their long life. The husband then feeds his wife with some food or a sip of water, ending the fast.
Karwa Chauth in Modern Era
Everything is getting affected by the charm of modern era and Karva Chauth is no exception. Nowadays, many changes can be seen on this day. Many restaurants organize special menus for this day. Many clubs arrange special events with exciting offers and competitions for the couples. Husbands have also started rewarding their wives with expensive and wonderful gifts.
Nowadays, Karwa Chauth has earned significance for the engaged couples too. Nowadays, its not just girls who observe this fast but the boys as well have joined in to make this ritual special.
No comments:
Post a Comment