Karva Chauth, a revered festival celebrated predominantly by married women in India, is just around the corner. The festival of love, trust, and marital bliss is observed with immense faith and enthusiasm. Look no further if you've ever been curious about this auspicious day. In this blog, we'll delve into the date, history, significance, and vibrant celebration of Karva Chauth in 2024.
Date: When is Karva Chauth 2024?
If you are also wondering when is Karwa Chauth, mark your calendars, as Karva Chauth 2024 falls on 20th October (Monday). According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed around nine days before Diwali, during the waning moon cycle in the month of Kartika.
History: How Did It Begin?
The origin of the Karva Chauth festival can be traced back to ancient India and is richly imbued with fascinating myths and legends. Among these, the tale of Queen Veervati is particularly poignant. A devoted wife, Veervati undertook her first Karva Chauth fast at her parents' home. Her fast from dawn was to last until moonrise, but as her hunger and thirst grew, her concerned brothers tricked her into believing the moon had risen, leading her to break her fast early. Tragically, she soon learned of her husband's sudden death.
Distraught but resolute, her devotion drew the attention of Goddess Parvati, who intervened and revealed that her husband's demise resulted from prematurely breaking the fast. Moved by Veervati's love, the goddess granted her a second chance, reviving her husband when the fast was properly completed. This story is often recounted during Karva Chauth celebrations as it embodies the essence of marital fidelity and devotion that the festival represents. It serves as a powerful narrative underscoring why the day is considered auspicious for celebrating marital bonds. Over the years, the legend has added a layer of cultural and emotional richness to the contemporary observance of Karva Chauth, solidifying its importance in the lives of married couples today.
Significance: Why is it Important?
Karva Chauth is not just a day of fasting; it's a celebration of marital fidelity, love, and longevity. On this day, married women fast from sunrise until moonrise for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. The festival signifies the beautiful bond that a husband and wife share, symbolising love, sacrifice, and a shared journey of life.
Celebration: How is it Celebrated?
Morning Preparations
The day starts early with women consuming 'Sargi,' a traditional pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother-in-law. This is the only meal consumed until the moonrise.
Dressing Up
Women adorn themselves in beautiful attires, typically in vibrant colours like red or pink. They apply intricate henna designs on their hands and wear all their bridal fineries, including jewellery and 'sindoor' (vermilion).
Fasting and Rituals
The fast of Karva Chauth is observed by married women primarily for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. On this auspicious day, women wear special clothes, often gifts from their husbands specifically for the occasion of Karwa Chauth. The fast is a strict one, requiring women to abstain from eating or drinking anything from sunrise to moonrise.
The fasting period starts early, often after 4:00 AM, before the rise of the sun. The women perform prayers to deities such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. They spend the day engaged in these spiritual practices and in the company of other fasting women, often listening to the Karva Chauth Katha or story, which highlights the significance of the festival.
The fast is broken only after sighting the moon at night. Traditionally, women offer water (Arghya) to the moon and then take their first sip of water and morsel of food from their husband’s hands. Breaking the fast before the moon sighting is considered to invalidate the fast and is thus avoided.
Moonrise: Breaking The Fast
The most awaited moment is the moonrise. Upon sighting the moon, women offer prayers and then look at the moon and their husbands through a sieve. The husbands, in turn, feed them their first morsel of food for the day, usually something sweet, thereby breaking the fast.
Exchange of Gifts
The festival culminates with exchanging gifts like traditional attire, jewellery, sweets, and Karwa Chauth thali online by husband and, sometimes, between family members like mother-in-law as a mark of love and appreciation.
Karva Chauth is a celebration that goes beyond the act of fasting. It's a day that strengthens the marital bond and rekindles the love between couples. As we gear up to celebrate Karva Chauth 2024, let's honour the essence of this beautiful festival that transcends social and geographical boundaries.
Happy Karva Chauth!
