Karwa Chauth Puja

The fast of Karwa Chauth Puja is kept 9 days before Diwali. It falls on the fourth day of the Kartik month by the Hindu calendar (fourth day of the waning moon or the dark fortnight).Karwa Chauth is considered one of the most important Fasts observed by the married Hindu women. On this day the women pray for the welfare and long life of their husbands. The festival is followed mainly in the northern parts of the country. Married women eat food early in the morning, before sunrise. They are not supposed to eat or even drink water during the day. In the evening the ladies listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha (the legend). The fast is over after the moonrise.

The pooja preparations start a day in advance. Married women buy the shringar or the traditional adornments and the other Pooja items like the karwa, matthi, Heena etc. Early in the morning they prepare food and have it before sunrise. The morning passes by in other festive activities like decorating hand and feet with Heena, decorating the Pooja thali and meeting friends and relatives. In the late afternoon women gather at a common place like temple or a garden or someones’ place who has arranged the puja. An elderly lady or the pujarin narrates the legend of Karwa Chouth. The essentials of this gathering and listening of the Karwa chauth story , a special mud pot, that is considered a symbol of lord Ganesha, a metal urn filled with water, flowers, idols of Ambika Gaur Mata, Goddess Parwati and some fruits, mathi and food grains. A part of this is offered to the deities and the storyteller. Earlier an idol of Gaur Mata was made using earth and cowdung. Now just an idol of Goddess Parwati is kept. Every one lights an earthen lamp in their thalis while listening to the Karwa story. Sindoor, incense sticks and rice are also kept in the thali. At this time the women wear heavy saris or chunries in red , pink or other bridal colors, and adorn themselves with all other symbols of a married women like, nose pin, tika, bindi, chonp, bangles, earrings etc. Once the moon rises, the women see its reflection in a thali of water, or through a dupatta or a sieve. They offer water to the moon and seek blessings. They pray for the safety, prosperity and long life of their husbands. This marks the end of the day long fast.

BENEFITS OF KARWA CHAUTH PUJA

1. The festival and fast of Karva Chauth is celebrated with much exuberance and fanfare.
2. It is considered an important and auspicious day for married women.
3. A married woman celebrates this day with great fervor and dedication, by observing a fast and praying for the long life of her husband.
4. The fast is observed during the month of Kartik on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (descending moon).

SIGNIFICANCE OF KARVACHAUTH

1. Karva chauth, a primarily northern Indian festival in which women fast for the men they love, looks like a glamorous affair and the ultimate selfless, romantic gesture.
2. Maintaining our beliefs is crucial for sustaining our ancient and valuble culture.
3. All married women to pray for their husband’s long life via fasting and/or rituals, such as Karva Chaut
4. It is the way to show commitment, dedication and support for their men.