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Karwa Chauth, also known as Karak Chaturthi, is a significant festival celebrated by married Hindu women in India. The women observe a day-long fast to pray for their husband’s long life, health, and prosperity. It is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi Tithi) after the full moon, or Krishna Paksha in Kartik month, which usually falls in October or November.
This year, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Sunday, October 20. The daylong fast starts after sunrise and ends at the end of the day upon sighting the moon. On this day, women offer prayers to Lord Ganesh, Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya.
There are some rules and guidelines that women follow on this day. Let’s take a closer look at the do's and don'ts of fasting for this sacred festival. Do's of Karwa Chauth Fast Wake up Early | Wake up early in the morning before sunrise, take bath and cleanse yourself before eating Sargi.
Sargi | Sargi is an essential part of the Karwa Chauth. The mother-in-law presents a special thali to the daughter-in-law, which includes various dishes and gifts. Sargi consists of fruits, coconut, meethi mathri, dry fruits, and desserts, among other items.
Stay Hydrated Before the Fast | It is essential to drink plenty of water and fluids before starting the fast. This helps prevent dehydration, headaches and fatigue during the fast. Additionally, avoid coffee and tea since they promote acidity.
Balanced Pre-Dawn Meal | The pre-dawn meal, called sargi, must be nutritious and healthy. It should include protein and carbohydrate-rich foods because they keep your stomach filled. Wear Auspicious Colours | Wearing red on Karwa Chauth is considered auspicious since it denotes prosperity, vibrance, and vigour.
Additionally, they can also wear other colours, including green, orange, pink, yellow, peach and maroon. Solah Sringar and Mehndi | Women who observe fast on this sacred day follow the tradition of Solah Shringar (sixteen forms of adornments). They apply mehndi on their hands on this auspicious day.
Mangalsutra, nose pin, bindis, bangles, earrings, rings, and other accessories are worn to ensure good fortune and happy married life. Baya Offering | During the celebrations, daughters-in-law present their mothers-in-law a special Karwa Chauth gift, known as Baya, which includes items like garments, jewellery, food, and utensils. It is vital to seek blessings from your mother-in-law after presenting her with the Baya.
Participation in Evening Puja | The married women who observe the fast participate in the evening puja and attend the Katha on this particular day. It is believed that this is the final ritual and skipping this keeps your fast incomplete. Don’ts of Karwa Chauth Vrat Avoid Wearing Inauspicious Colour | Women are advised not to wear inauspicious colours such as blue, black, or grey during this festival.
These are not considered auspicious colours for a married woman seeking the Goddess' blessings for her husband's long life. Refrain From Consuming Non-vegetarian Food | Married women and their families should avoid eating tamasik meals, such as non-vegetarian foods. Avoid Physical Activity | Women should avoid intense work and physical activity on this day.
Avoid Sharp Objects | Women fasting on Karwa Chauth should not cut their hair or nails, nor should they use needles or scissors on this particular day. Do Not Fast During Pregnancy | The Karwa Chauth fast is stressful for pregnant women and may harm the baby's health. So avoid fasting during pregnancy.
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