Karva Chauth 2023
Karva Chauth, a significant Hindu festival, unfolds on the fourth day of the dark half of the Kartik month. On this day, married women observe a fast to ensure the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Unmarried women also partake in this fast with the hope of securing a suitable husband in the future. The fervent celebration of Karva Chauth predominantly thrives in North India.
Guidelines for Karva Chauth Fasting:
1. The fast commences before sunrise and persists until the Moon becomes visible. The fast is deemed complete only after sighting the Moon and partaking in food.
2. In the evening, approximately an hour prior to the Moonrise, the divine family of Lord Shiva—comprising Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Nandi, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Kartikeya—is revered.
3. During the worship, the idols or images of the deities should face the west direction, while the worshipper should sit facing east.
Legend of Karva Chauth
According to the Karva Chauth Vrat Katha, there was a moneylender who had seven sons and one daughter named Karva. Karva observed a fast on the day of this festival. In the evening, when the family gathered for dinner, her brothers encouraged her to eat. However, Karva declined, as she had yet to offer water to the Moon before breaking her fast. Witnessing her distress due to hunger, the youngest brother tricked her by creating the illusion of the Moon’s presence using a lamp behind Peepal tree leaves. Believing that the Moon had risen, Karva consumed a morsel of food.
Tragically, news arrived of her husband’s passing immediately afterward. Heartbroken, she preserved her husband’s body for a year, collecting the grass that grew over him. The following year, on the same day of Kartik’s dark half, Karva diligently observed the fast, performing all rituals meticulously. Legend has it that her husband was revived.
Rituals for Karva Chauth Vrat Worship
1. Before sunrise, rise, prepare yourself, and cleanse the area of worship. Then, consume the pre-dawn meal offered by your mother-in-law. Proceed to worship the deities and pledge to observe the waterless fast.
2. The fast should only be broken after sunset and the sighting of the Moon. Abstain from consuming even a drop of water during the fast.
3. In the evening, arrange the idols or images of gods and goddesses on an earthen platform. Additionally, place 10 to 13 special earthen pots, known as “Karvas” in Hindi and Punjabi, for the occasion.
4. Prepare a worship plate containing incense (Dhoop), wick lamp (Deep), sandalwood paste (Chandan), turmeric and lime powder mix (Roli), vermilion (Sindoor), and more. The lamp should contain ample clarified butter (Ghee) to ensure a prolonged wick burn.
5. Initiate worship approximately an hour before Moonrise. Ideally, involve all the women of the household in the worship.
6. Recite the Karva Chauth Katha during the worship.
7. Sight the Moon through a sieve, offer Arghya, and worship the Moon.
8. Following the Moon sighting, present a decorated plate of sweets, fruits, dried fruits, money, etc., to the mother-in-law. Seek her blessings for enduring good fortune.
Sargi in Karva Chauth
The Karva Chauth tradition in Punjab is initiated with the Sargi—a unique pre-dawn meal consumed by women on the day of Karva Chauth. The highlight of this meal is Fenia, made from vermicelli. If the fasting woman’s mother-in-law is present, she typically prepares the Sargi. In the evening, fasting women assemble for the Feri ritual. Seated in a circle, they bring their worship plates and rotate them while reciting the Karva Chauth Katha. In regions like UP and Rajasthan, women worship Gaur Mata, often represented by a cow dung idol.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?
Karwa Chauth is observed by married women to ensure the longevity and well-being of their husbands. This festival falls on the Chaturthi Tithi in the Kartik month during Krishna Paksha.
2. Can unmarried girls observe Karwa Chauth?
Yes, unmarried girls can participate in the observance of Karwa Chauth. They are not obliged to end the fast upon Moon sighting.
3. What should married women do on Karwa Chauth?
Married women should awaken early, bathe, partake in Sargi, and make a commitment to fast. After spotting the Moon and offering reverence to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha, they can then consume water and food.
