India Focus

Karwa Chauth festival falls about nine days before diwali on the Kartik ki Chauth some time in October or November in India. It is the most important fast observed by the women of North India. A woman keeps such a fast for the well-being of her husband, who becomes her protector after she leaves her parents home. Her husband provides her food, shelter, clothing, respectability, comfort and happiness.

It is a day of celebration and decoration. On the eve of karwa chauth, the markets are full of women preparing for it. Mehndi stalls are set up in every corner of the market, Bindi’s, Red bangles and different types of cosmetics are sold everywhere. Mother-in-laws buy ’sargi’ for their daughter-in-laws. This ’sargi’ consists of various types of sweetmeats, and sometime clothes. All these items are supposed to bring good luck to the women. There is great festivity on this day.

How to Celebrate

Early in the morning, before sunrise, the Indian women bathe and gather to eat the sweetmeats. They pray to Lord Shiva and Parvati, hoping that their married life would be as successful as theirs. In the afternoon, mothers of newly wed girls give ‘Baya (Bayana)’ to the parents of their son-in-law. This Baya contains few Mathris, Almonds, and some gifts. In every neighbourhood women gather together to perform a puja and to recite the story of ‘Karwa Chauth’. Most women are dressed in beautiful red or pink clothes and in traditional Jewellery.

A small pooja to Gaura Ma or goddess Parvati is performed. Married women sit around Gaura ma and pray to her for the well being and long life of their husbands. A small pitcher or Karva with some water is placed in the centre. While the story is being narrated, ladies circulate their Baya thalis. After the puja this thali is given to the eldest member of the family who blesses the woman with all the happiness in life.

Moonrise is eagerly awaited and everyone in the family keeps a lookout for it. Once the moon is sighted, women gather on the terrace and offer prayers to the moon 7 times. They pray for their husband’s and family’s welfare. Then they have a sip of water and in this way the fast comes to an end.