One of the most auspicious festivals for Indian married women, Karva Chauth, is majorly celebrated in India’s Northern and Western parts. It outstandingly symbolizes the eternal bond between a wife and her spouse. As per the ongoing tradition, on this favorable day, the Indian married women go through complete day-long fasting for the longevity and welfare of their better halves, aka, their husbands. The fasting is concluded once the moon is sighted. Unmarried girls are seen doing fasting in faith for a perfect healthy partner.
The word “KARVA” means a lamp or an earthen pot filled with water, and “CHAUTH” means day fourth of Krishna Paksha, falling in the month of Kartik. And as per the Hindu calendar, Karva Chauth falls on the 4th day of the new moon in Kartik month, i.e., immediately after Dusshera, November 24th, 2021 (Sunday).
HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
Fasting holds significance in Hindu Dharma because it helps to build an attachment with the almighty by originating an eternal bond between the body and the soul. The ultimate goal is attaining physical and spiritual satisfaction.
Though there are many legends associated, there are no ceremonial records to date the exact origin of this festive. It is consider truthful that Queen Veervati, who was observing the Karwa Chauth fast and was tricked by her seven affectionate brothers who were pained by the arduous efforts taken by the sister for her husband’s prosperity and longevity. The brothers made a mirror on a pipal tree which gave an impact that the moon had risen. Veervati then broke the fast, mistaking it for the moonlight, as the fast is meant to finish with the moon’s rising. The instant she sipped a touch of water, news arrived that her husband was dead. However, a Goddess who took pity on her revealed her brothers’ intentions and directed her to watch the fast again, which revived her husband.
The significance behind celebrating this festival holds a lofty truth. A devoted wife is the strength of the family. She is a harmonious cord that integrates her spouse and family into an eternal bond. Furthermore, this ritual exemplifies the purity of one’s mind, required for spiritual pursuits after years. A pure mind is a fusion of integration and potency. The legend and significance of the fast are observed even today, holding on to the cultural aspects of our nation. Hence, it is often summoned that Karwa Chauth originated in Ancient India to reinforce marital bonding and keep one’s family intact, contributing to societal harmony.
THE RITUALS
Married women wake early morning to have Sargi, i.e., eat and drink in the wee hours of the morning of Karwa Chauth. Women keep a strict fast for the whole day, which is spent preparing for the rituals observed in the evening. At dusk, women from the neighborhood dress in their best attires, gather together for the rituals. A crucial part is listening to the legend and the importance of the fast. Shiva, Parvati, and their son Kartikeya are worshiped this day, alongside the ten ‘karwas’ (earthen pots), crammed with sweets. The Karwas is given to the daughters and sisters with side gifts. The fast is then broken the night after the moon is sighted. Usually, the husband gives the primary sip of water, followed by the first morsel of food. Women also exchange painted clay pots, bangles, ribbons, a little fabric, sweets, etc.
TRADITIONS OF KARVA CHAUTH
On Karva Chauth, women dress up in bridal colors to relive this auspicious day by wearing stunning red and golden lehengas and sarees with heritage jewelry given by their mothers-in-law. It is followed by adorning their hands and feet with beautiful mehndi designs, wearing sindoor and glittering glass bangles. All this helps to keep the spirit of the festival alive. Dress up your exquisite range in traditional wedding ensembles with sparkling decorations, and luxuriate in the day with friends and family!
Auspicious colors considered for this festival are Red, gold, and orange. Decorate your home decor in these colors for an upscale festive look. You can get ethnic slipcovers stitched for your sofas and put out brightly colored cushions to match. If you’re painting your home to honor the season, create attention wall-ups in red, saffron, or burnt orange for a vibrant and traditional look.
Without a profusion of flowers, no Indian festival is ever complete! Hang garlands of fragrant orange and yellow marigolds, roses, and jasmine on the walls, and make a reasonably patterned floral rangoli on the ground at the doorway to your home. You’ll also fill a brass vessel with water and float candles with rose petals on the surface of the water to welcome guests to your celebrations. Colorful torans at the doorway door will enhance the festive mood during family celebrations.
Say it with lights! The heat of traditional diyas adds a special glow to any festive celebration in India. Light earthen diyas or twinkling candles on the doorstep, balconies, and windows to inaugurate the brightness of the season to your home. Hang fairy lights on trees and wrap them around mason jars to feature an enthralling touch to your home décor.
The Karva, an earthen pot topped with a nozzle, is a component of the Karva Chauth thali and is claimed to be an emblem of peace and prosperity. Decorate it with brightly-hued embellished pots as a part of your home décor.
