Is Karvachauth wrong?

Karvachauth is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women for their husband's long life. They are required to spend a whole day without food and water and break their fast when they see the moon. I'm sure many of you do know what it is since it's a very popular squence/track in Indian daily soaps.

So my question is, do you think Karvachauth is right? Do you believe that men should do something in return or fast? Should there even be fasting and Karvachauth? I've heard from people that even when women are pregnant and their due dates are coming close, they still keep the fast. Which is very harmful to the child as well as the mother. Should a woman be allowed to do that? Obviously the decision is entirely up to the woman. What does Karvachauth say about Indian society? Does it symbolize that women should give up something? Should they have to prove their love by fasting? It has been done for...well...I guess forever...many people might not agree with the concept of Karvachauth but still do it because its a tradition.

What are your thoughts about Karvachauth? Please share! 😃

Edited by shweta2728 - 10 years ago

I don't think it is wrong. But I do find it unfair on many levels. I don't like the idea of only women keeping fasts for their husband's long life. I'd rather have something that is shared by both people in a relationship equitable. I feel women sometimes are obligated to follow such rituals However, If women do keep fasts out of their own joy and volition, that is their personal choice which should be respected.

That being said under no circumstances is it OK for a pregnant or ill person to keep such fasts. There have to be exceptions for special situations.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

I don't think it is wrong. But I do find it unfair on many levels. I don't like the idea of only women keeping fasts for their husband's long life. I'd rather have something that is shared by both people in a relationship equitable. I feel women sometimes are obligated to follow such rituals However, If women do keep fasts out of their own joy and volition, that is their personal choice which should be respected.

That being said under no circumstances is it OK for a pregnant or ill person to keep such fasts. There have to be exceptions for special situations.

Yes I totally agree with you! That it should be something which is shared between two couples. Where it shows a sense of equality. But I've heard a blessing "Sadha Suhaagan Raho" which means "Shall you be married forever" it actually means that your husband should outlive you. So not much equality there either.

Then if a women is pregnant she should be an exception. And even other conditions. Diabetes should not fast at all. It is very dangerous, their blood sugar level can stoop to a very threatening level. I don't think god says torture yourself and your health then I'll make your husband live longer. This is just stuff people wrote along the way.

Obviously the decision to fast or not to fast is entirely up to the woman. But I think they should have it so that exceptions don't have to fast but they can still perform the pooja of the moon and everything.

Thank you for commenting!

I don't its wrong but i do think us, as a society, expect too much from a woman!

I do not think it is wrong. It is borderline mad. My starving myself isn't going to help anyone live longer. Also, there should not be specific days on which to wish your beloved well. It should be everyday because you want them to be good and happy and swell is a given. Lastly, expecting a man to do the same for a woman is pointless. He could always say that she can drop it if she likes and that he ain't making her do it, right? So, this way or that, the woman does it because she wants to. I don't like it and I don't see the point but I cannot call it 'wrong' as wrong goes. Likewise, I'd like believers to not criticize how I go about this institution.

Originally posted by: epiphany.

I do not think it is wrong. It is borderline mad. My starving myself isn't going to help anyone live longer. Also, there should not be specific days on which to wish your beloved well. It should be everyday because you want them to be good and happy and swell is a given. Lastly, expecting a man to do the same for a woman is pointless. He could always say that she can drop it if she likes and that he ain't making her do it, right? So, this way or that, the woman does it because she wants to. I don't like it and I don't see the point but I cannot call it 'wrong' as wrong goes. Likewise, I'd like believers to not criticize how I go about this institution.

Yup! I agree with you. Its what you do for the other person what matters not starving yourself.

Its not wrong. I just hate it how women are EXPECTED to keep this fast. Some are forced from in-laws or from the society. Like others said, people expect too much from women. 

It's a relic of a shockingly misogynistic past. A woman's social status and worth is tied to her husband's existence, which is why she prays for his long life, because without him, she is worthless and a social pariah. India's treatment of widows has been - and remains to be -  absolutely and staggeringly barbaric. How ANY woman can NOT feel insulted by this load of drivel is beyond me. 
Edited by joie de vivre - 10 years ago

A very interesting topic...this festival has been going on for a very long time, it's weird that everytime a woman is expected to keep fast for their husbands at times it becomes forced by the family and society...this fast should come from within if u want to keep it u should becoz u want to not because ur expected to...I have heard of cases where some ladies do not believe in all and they r ridiculed because of their choices...not saying this fast is bad or anything it's a way of celebrating for some their married lives but I do feel it should not be that strict anymore fasting the whole day and it def. should not be compulsory for everyone...

I am a male person. I still could not understand what is the need of a fast like karvachauth. And I believe if I am truly loving my wife, nothing needs to be imposed on her even what the society exists. All that is needed is husband and wife have to be understanding each other and improve being more caring, tender and gentle to each other. Especially if a woman is pained by her husband and if she is forced to do this fast, it is gross injustice to her.