Is Karvachauth wrong? - Page 11

it's not WRONG, but in case of pregnancy or any other illness, i am against it.

btw it's a religion specific festival. Even not all indian woman do it, i am bengali and we have only seen it on tv 😆

Depends...

Is Karvachauth a religious injuction? What is the ritual's origins. I don't know much about the practice. Answers to these questions will help me understand the practice better.

Just because gender equality is a hot topic now days does not mean every Indian tradition is wrong. I have seen many women keep fast by choice, and that is okay. They are not trying to prove anything, but are doing it out of love and faith (that it will keep their husbands safe). And I have seen men keep fast for their wives too.

^^How do you markedly define "Indian values" and "western values"?

Originally posted by: Sakhile

Gender equality does not mean that cultural, religious and traditional practices must be thrown aside to adapt a westernised world view on women and their place in society. Gender equality does not mean that roles within society are non existent. As we embrace new ideologies let us beware that we don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Our own values and beliefs must guide our world views.

I'd reiterate what Krystal said - How do you distinguish and define the values.

Personally, I don't like to see things as Indian' or Western' values but more in terms of right and wrong, morality and immorality.

History, culture, and traditions are very much a part of our identity, and I agree hundred percent that we shouldn't be actively seeking to discard these. However, we can should always ask ourselves if what we do is right' and moral' in everything we do.

I totally think it's wrong - an outdated and barbarbic tradition that should no longer be practiced in modern society.

Yes. Karvachauth is wrong IMO. And so are other so called festivals like Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj or other pujas/Teej etc. where women fast for or worship men in their lives! Even unmarried girls are made to keep some fast or do puja so that God is pleased and gives them a great husband! 😲

It reflects the sexist and biased mentality of putting men on a pedestal and women treating them as gods or their sole refuge.

In reality such rituals impact nothing (do women who keep fasts or tie Rakhis or pray etc. don't have husbands or brothers dying?!). But it feeds partriarchy.

That said, I can perfectly see where such rituals came from. In ancient times women were fit for only s** and procreation, taking care of kids or cooking. Nothing else. They were too weak physically to fight battles, protect themselves or hunt for food or do manual labour. They were vulnerable and anyone could capture them. No wonder such rituals evolved that they worshipped God and "God like" Pati Parmeshwar in their lives. They were totally dependent. No wonder they worshipped or were made to worship/pray/fast or perform penances for husbands or brothers. Woman's identity and life were all about husband. Her swami.

Such rituals also gave bit of "importance" to women in those times when they had no value and were as replaceable or exchangeable as cattle or any other commodity. Women used to get nothing. By virtue of such festivals they'd get attention, some respect and also gifts or money in return. So it also sort of benefitted them and helped them have some status in those times.

In modern times, Karvachauth and other festivals are more of a fad or some way of romance, celebrations and exchanging gifts. Fair or unfair, right or wrong isn't the point on women's minds. They eat like pigs before and after their fasts (at least from what I have seen. No offense to anyone!). They get decked up in finery, get gifts and at least there is one day when husband returns on time and they get importance/pampering. Fast, prayers and true devotion matter but not to all females.

Regarding pregnant women, India is a country where a pregnant woman barely gets proper rest, nutrition or even a proper delivery. One day's fast is no big deal for them. Some families might give choice to a woman if she wants to fast or not. Honestly pregnancy is considered a routine and "normal" part of any woman's life in India. They don't take special care. Rather I have seen old women mocking young women who take extra care during pregnancy.
They'll proudly announce how they'd sweep floors, cook and clean even till a day before their delivery and accuse you and your doctor of doing some sham. 😆