Karwa Chauth- A Festival of Dedication, Love, Trust, and Blessings

Karwa Chauth, an important Hindu vrat, celebrated by married women, is what expresses a heartfelt expression of love, trust, and devotion where women keep nirjala vrat for their husband’s long life and well-being, strengthening marital bonds. Rituals begin with sargi (a meal before fasting starts) made by the mother-in-law early morning, followed by prayers and evening puja. 

This festival beautifully blends tradition, faith, and the timeless essence of marital love. In this blog, we will tell you about the history, meaning and rituals of this fast.

The timeless origin of Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is celebrated on the fourth day after the full moon of the Kartik month (October or November). The name combines “Karwa” (earthen pot) and “Chauth” (fourth day) and relates to stories like Lady Karwa and Lady Veera, highlighting a wife’s unwavering love and dedication.

The origin of this vrat is based on a story about a lady named Karwa, who tied a crocodile with a cotton cloth to save her husband from its attack and then worshipped Lord Yamraj for his life. 

Another story is also there about a lady named Veera, whose brothers tricked her into breaking the fast by showing her a fake moon, even before moonrise. Later, she had to worship Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva to bring her husband’s life back. 

Karwa Chauth Vrat: A step-by-step guide 

There are a few steps that women should follow when they keep the vrat of Karwa Chauth. Read below:

1. Fast timing

Women keep vrat from sunrise until they spot the moon at night, strictly without eating or drinking.

2. Sargi

A pre-dawn meal, consumed by married women before beginning their fast. Sargi is cooked by a woman’s mother-in-law, and may contain stuffed parathas, fruits, dry fruits, milk with sevai, and water, to provide nourishment throughout the day.

3. Dressing up

During the day, women dress themselves in colourful, traditional attire, apply mehendi, and wear attractive jewellery, which symbolises prosperity and abundance.

4. Karwa Chauth puja

Women gather in a group to perform the Karwa Chauth puja in the evening, offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. The earthen pot plays an important role in the puja thali, consisting of the Karwa, water, sweets and other items.

5. Breaking fast

The fast is broken after moonrise; women first offer water to the moon, then look at the moon through a sieve, and then at the husband. The husband feeds malpua and water to their wife.

Health aspects of Karwa Chauth

1. Stay hydrated before sunrise

It is advisable to drink plenty of water during Sargi so you stay hydrated for the whole day, making it easier to manage the long fasting hours.

2. Eat a balanced sargi

Include proteins, whole grains, fruits, and nuts in your Sargi. A balanced meal provides steady energy throughout the day and prevents weakness.

3. Avoid oily and heavy foods

Skip fried, oily, and spicy foods before fasting, as they may cause bloating and discomfort, making the fasting hours more challenging to handle.

4. Rest and relax during the day

Conserve energy by engaging in light activities. Rest whenever possible to maintain strength and avoid unnecessary fatigue during the long fast.

5. Break the fast gently

After moonrise, start with water and light food like fruits or nuts. Gradually move to a wholesome meal to aid digestion and prevent stomach discomfort.

Read more: Top 10 best places to visit during Diwali vacation for a joyful celebration

Karwa Chauth in today’s world

In the present day, Karwa Chauth has beautifully turned into a festival celebrating equality, teamwork, and respect for one another. The significance of Karwa Chauth for married couples is made clear by the fact that many men today not only support their wives but also observe the fast themselves. Media and popular culture have further added charm, turning it into a grand celebration of love and togetherness. Beyond traditions, it has grown into a day to celebrate affection, build trust, and deepen the marriage bond. Karwa Chauth will always stand for commitment, love, and peace in relationships between people.

Don't miss the best parts of this holy festival of devotion, and stay tuned with us to know more about the festivals of India and places you can visit during this time by contacting us at +918510007751.