Karwa Chauth 2018
Karwa Chauth, the beautiful day which
strengthens the marital bond of a husband & wife, will be celebrated on 27,
October, 2018. The day, when married women please Moon Lord for the longevity
and welfare of their husbands, is very significant in Hinduism. Let’s talk more
about it here.
Karva Chauth is the occasion when
married Hindu women in North India seek the blessings of God for their
husband's long life. This festival is observed on the fourth day of the dark
fortnight in the month of Kartik, according to Hindu calendar. Karwa Chauth is
being celebrated since ages, as it gives more strength to the relationship of a
husband and wife.
Karwa Chauth is worshiped with strict
fast, with neither food nor water, this festival is quite popular among the newlyweds.
A few days before the festival, markets are full of items needed for the
festival. The preparations for this festival start a week in advance.
Karva Chauth: The Start Of the Day
On this day, women get up before
sunrise. They worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya
and the Moon. The blessings of the Gods are invoked for longevity and
prosperity of their husbands and children. Mother-in-law give their
daughters-in-law sumptuous food called 'Sargi' to eat before sunrise, as the
fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the Moon at night. It
is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or water.
Karwa Chauth Evening Puja
Before evening, the married woman
receives the Baya or a basket full of goodies from her mother, which is meant for
the mother-in-law. Most women wear their wedding day veils on this occasion.
The basket contains sweets, fruits and a Sari. Before the Sun sets, women
gather in one house and prepare a corner for the Puja. This Puja Chowk is
beautifully decorated and a small platform is prepared against a wall. On this,
the image of Gauri Mata or Goddess Parvati is placed. In the olden days, this
image was made of cow-dung. The preparation for the Puja starts at about 4 or 5
p.m.
Narration Of Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
An elderly woman of the family
narrates the legend of Karva Chauth Katha. The women then pray for the long
life and welfare of their husbands. While offering prayers, they pass their
Bayas from one to another.
The Worship of Moon in Karwa Chauth
Women wait for the Moon and as soon as
the Moon is sighted, prayers are offered. They see the Moon through Chalni (a
metallic ring with net). Then they look at their husband's face the same way.
They pray for their husband's and family's welfare. Then a sip of water is
taken from the husband’s hand and the fast comes to an end. In the state of
Uttar Pradesh, women decorate the entrance walls of their home with drawings of
Goddess Parvati, the Moon and the Sun. The evening puja is performed with
earthen lamps and a 'Karva'. (Earthen pitcher). Before looking at the Moon,
women pray to the figurines at their doorstep.
This was all about Karwa Chauth. We
wish you a blessed Karwa Chauth..!
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