Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival dedicated to married women. It is celebrated on the fourth day after Purnima in the month of Kartik.
Married women keep a « narjila », a fast. They’re not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise till moonrise.
It is believed that fasting protect their husbands and grant them a long life.
Women dress up in their most beautiful red sarees adoring jewellery and their hands are filled with mehendi. They usually get together on this day. Tales are narrated and Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha is read…all in a festive atmosphere filled with folk songs and dances.
Streets are filled with decorated markets to mark the special occasion.
Karwa Chauth is also a day of praying and praising Goddess Parvati along with Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya.
As soon as the moon arises, women break their fast in the presence of their dear husbands. Some men also fast as a mark of love and respect for their wives.
Karwa Chauth also means some beautiful tales. Here are two of them.
Veervati was a beautiful queen and loved by her seven brothers. Her first Karwa Chauth was at her parents home. She spent the day by fasting and doing all the rituals. As much as she was devoted to fulfill her duties during the day, thirst and hunger were too much for her. Seeing her condition, her brothers tricked her by placing a round mirror in a Pipal tree. She finally had a sip of water and and a slice of food. Her first Karwa Chauth was tragic, she eventually came to know that her husband died.
Back to the Mahabharat era, it is believed that Draupadi kept this fast for the safety of her husband during a very challenging time. She remembered Lord Krishna’s words. Goddess Parvati kept a fast for Lord Shiva as a sign of protection. Thus, Draupadi fasted as a hope that her husband would overcome the issues.
The Crazy Creatives wishes all the married ladies a very happy Karwa Chauth.
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