Karwa Chauth 2023: The Karwa Chauth fast is observed annually on the fourth day of the Kartik month. This year, the fast will be kept on the 1st of November. Married women observe this fast praying for the long life of their husbands.
Karwa Chauth Date This year, the Karwa Chauth date starts on the night of 31st October (Tuesday) at 9:30 PM and ends on 1st November at 9:19 PM. Based on the lunar calendar, the Karwa Chauth fast will be observed on 1st November, Wednesday.
Karwa Chauth Auspicious Timing On the day of Karwa Chauth, which is 1st November, the moonrise will be at 8:30 PM. The auspicious timing for the puja will be from 5:44 PM to 7:05 PM.
Karva Chauth is one of the most significant festivals observed in the northern and western parts of India. Predominantly celebrated by Hindu women, it symbolizes the deep bond and love between a wife and her husband. The festival, observed during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (the fourth day after the full moon) in the month of Kartik, is steeped in tradition, mythology, and rituals.
History and Origin:
Karva Chauth has been celebrated for many centuries and has its roots in folktales and ancient traditions. The most popular legend behind this festival is that of Queen Veeravati. Separated from her husband on this particular day, she kept a fast for his long life. Fooled by her siblings into breaking her fast early, she immediately heard of her husband’s sudden illness. Heartbroken, she prayed to the goddess Parvati, who, moved by her devotion, revived her husband.
The Rituals:
The central ritual of Karva Chauth is the fast, which is observed from sunrise to moonrise. Women abstain from consuming any food or water during this period.
- Sargi: The fast begins with the pre-dawn meal called ‘sargi’, which is prepared by the mother-in-law. This meal includes a mix of fruits, sweets, and other delicacies.
- Dressing Up: Women adorn themselves with beautiful traditional attire, primarily red or pink saris or suits. They also apply intricate mehndi (henna) designs on their hands.
- The Puja: In the evening, women gather, often in a circle, to perform the Karva Chauth puja. They listen to the Karva Chauth Katha (the legend of the festival) and sing songs.
- Moonrise: The fast is broken only after sighting the moon. Women often use a sieve to view the moon, and then their husbands, offering water and sweets to the moon. It’s a common practice for the husband to then offer the first sip of water and the first bite of food to his fasting wife.
The Story of Karwa Chauth…
In ancient times, there was a city named Indraprastha. In Indraprastha, there lived a Brahmin named Ved Sharma. His wife was named Leelavati. They had seven sons and one daughter named Veeravati.
After Veeravati’s marriage, she visited her brothers’ home during Kartik Krishna Chaturthi. Along with her sisters-in-law, Veeravati observed the Karwa Chauth fast. Due to hunger and thirst, she fainted before the moonrise. Seeing their sister unconscious, all seven brothers were worried.
All the brothers lit a torch behind a tree and made it look like the moon had risen. They then revived Veeravati and told her that the moon had risen. Veeravati believed her brothers and, following the rituals, she offered water to the light of the torch and broke her fast.
Soon after this fast, her husband died. Distraught by her husband’s death, Veeravati gave up food and water. That day, the goddess Indrani visited Earth.
Veeravati asked Indrani the reason for her sorrow. Indrani explained to Veeravati that she didn’t observe the Karwa Chauth fast correctly. That night, she had broken her fast before the actual moonrise, leading to her husband’s death.
To bring him back to life, Veeravati would have to observe the Karwa Chauth fast again, following the proper rituals. Indrani promised that with the merit of the fast, she would revive Veeravati’s husband.
Veeravati observed the fast of all the Chauths (fourth days) of the twelve months and especially observed the Karwa Chauth with all the necessary rituals. Pleased with her dedication, Indrani granted life to Veeravati’s husband. Afterward, their marital life was blissful. Veeravati’s husband was blessed with a long life, good health, and prosperity.
Significance and Beliefs:
While the primary belief behind Karva Chauth is to pray for the longevity and well-being of one’s husband, the festival has also evolved to represent the deep bond between couples. In modern times, many husbands also fast alongside their wives to show their solidarity and love.
Changing Times and Modern Interpretations:
Though deeply rooted in tradition, Karva Chauth has seen a transition in its observance. With changing societal norms and increasing awareness of gender equality, many couples now view this festival as a celebration of their love and mutual respect rather than a one-sided demonstration of a wife’s devotion. In urban settings, it’s not uncommon to see couples going out for moonlit dinners after breaking the fast or exchanging gifts.
Conclusion:
Karva Chauth, at its core, is a celebration of love, commitment, and partnership. While it is rooted in ancient traditions, its true essence lies in the heart of the bond between couples. As times change, so do the interpretations of such traditions, but the underlying sentiment remains the same: a deep-seated love and a wish for one’s partner’s well-being.
FAQ
Which god is Worshipped on Karva Chauth?
On Karva Chauth, it is Goddess Parvati who is primarily worshipped, along with her consort, Lord Shiva, and their son, Lord Ganesha. Goddess Parvati is considered the epitome of the devoted wife, and her blessings are sought for the well-being and longevity of the husband.
The fast and rituals of Karva Chauth are believed to have the divine blessings of Goddess Parvati, ensuring the safety and longevity of the husband. The legend associated with Karva Chauth also revolves around Goddess Parvati’s benevolence. It is believed that her blessings played a vital role in bringing a devoted wife’s husband back to life.
Thus, while the main focus of the festival is on the bond between a husband and wife, it is Goddess Parvati who is venerated and worshipped on this day.
Can unmarried girls do Karva Chauth?
Yes, unmarried girls can observe Karva Chauth, though traditionally, the festival is primarily associated with married women who fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
Unmarried girls who choose to observe the fast typically do so for different reasons:
- Anticipation of Future Partner: Some unmarried girls fast in the hope of being blessed with a good, loving, and understanding life partner in the future.
- Tradition and Participation: Joining in the festivity and observing the rituals alongside their friends and family members can be a way for unmarried girls to participate in the communal and cultural aspects of the festival.
- Devotion: Some might keep the fast out of sheer devotion and faith, believing in the sanctity and power of the rituals associated with Karva Chauth.
However, it’s essential to understand that there is no hard and fast rule regarding who can or cannot observe the fast. Cultural and traditional practices vary across regions and families. In some communities, unmarried girls participating in Karva Chauth might be more common, while in others, it might be rare. It largely depends on individual beliefs and local customs.
What is the meaning of Karva Chauth fasting?
Karva Chauth is a significant festival celebrated predominantly in North and Western parts of India. The term “Karva Chauth” can be broken down into two words: “Karva,” which means a small earthen pot of water, and “Chauth,” which denotes the fourth day. Hence, the festival is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
Meaning of Karva Chauth Fasting:
The fasting observed on Karva Chauth holds profound symbolic and cultural significance:
- Expression of Love and Devotion: The fast is a manifestation of a wife’s love and devotion towards her husband. By abstaining from food and water from sunrise to moonrise, a wife prays for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of her husband.
- Symbolism of Sacrifice: The rigorous nature of the fast, where even water is not consumed, symbolizes the depth of sacrifice and the extent of a wife’s commitment to her spouse’s well-being.
- Divine Intervention and Blessings: It is believed that the prayers and devotion on this day invoke the blessings of Goddess Parvati, ensuring the safety and longevity of the husband.
- Strengthening Marital Bonds: The festival also serves to renew and strengthen the bond between a husband and wife. In many modern interpretations, it’s a mutual celebration of love, commitment, and partnership.
- Community and Togetherness: Beyond the couple, the festival also emphasizes community ties. Women often come together to celebrate, perform rituals, exchange stories, and support each other during the fast.
In essence, the fasting during Karva Chauth is not just an act of abstaining from food and water but a deeply symbolic gesture that embodies love, sacrifice, and the sanctity of the marital bond.
