The auspicious festival of Karwa Chauth is just around the corner. Also known as Karak Chaturthi, it falls on November 1 this year.Read more: Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ reaches No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, Jack Antonoff thanks fans
During this festival married women observe a strict Nirjala Vrat (fast without food and water) for the safety and prosperity of their husbands. They fast from sunrise to moonrise. On Karwa Chauth, women worship Lord Ganesha, Mother Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya and break their fast by looking at the moon. After looking at the moon through a sieve, married women take a morsel of food and a sip of water from their husband’s hand to break the fast. Karwa Chauth Vrat is an important ritual of the festival. Usually married women observe this fast, while married men and unmarried couples also observe the fast. There are many dos and don’ts while celebrating the festival.
Do’s and Don’ts while fasting Karwa Chauth
1) As the color of the festival of Karwa Chauth is red, it is considered auspicious and women wear it during the festival. However, there are some other colors that married women can wear, including yellow, green, pink, and orange. However, they should avoid black or white colors.
2) Applying Solah Sringar and henna on hands is another important ritual of Karwa Chauth Puja. Married women should apply henna on their hands a day before Karak Chaturthi and wear traditional clothes (preferably in red), mangalsutra, nose pin, bindis, bangles, earrings, rings etc. Shringar and mehndi symbolize good luck, prosperity and a happy married life.
3) Sargi is another important ritual of Karwa Chauth Vrat. It is a special plate containing various food items and is gifted to married women by their in-laws. Sargi should be consumed as a morning meal before starting the fast. Generally, the plate is designed in such a way that it can provide all the necessary nutrients and energy. These include feni, sweet vermicelli, fruits, coconut, sweet mathari, dry fruits, sweets, parathas and juices.
4) Breakfast should consist of foods rich in protein and carbohydrates as they take longer to digest and keep you full for longer.
5) Drink as much water as possible before starting the fast. Dehydration can increase the risk of headaches and fatigue. Fresh fruit juice can also be a great addition to your fluid intake. During this time avoid drinking coffee and tea to avoid acidity.
6) Women observing Karwa Chauth should not use scissors, needle or knife.
7) Pregnant women should avoid Karwa Choth fast as it can be stressful for them and affect their health.
8) Baya is a special choth gift that daughters-in-law send to their parents-in-law. This includes clothes, jewellery, food and utensils and other items. While offering baya, don’t forget to seek your mother-in-law’s blessings.
9) Married women and their families should avoid non-vegetarian food on this day as it is considered tamasic in nature.
10) Married women should participate in Karwa Chauth Puja and listen to Katha in the evening before breaking the fast. Nirjala Vrat is considered incomplete without following this ritual.
