Preparations are in full swing for the Hindu festival of Karwa Chauth, when married or soon-to-be-married Hindu women observe a rigorous fast, abstaining from water and food throughout the day and praying for the longevity of their husbands.
From observing 'nirjala vrat' (fasting without water and food), dressing up in a red saree or lehenga, applying henna on the hands, wearing jewellery, sindoor (cinnabar), singing and reciting the story of Karwa Chauth and breaking the fast at moonrise, the festival of Karwa Chauth has its own charm.
Sputnik India tells you how married and soon-to-be-married women celebrate Karwa Chauth.
Auspicious Time (Muhurat) for Puja
Karwa Chauth, also known as Karaka Chaturthi, is derived from two words - Karwa, which means earthen pots, and Chauth, which means the fourth day of the lunar month.
This year, the festival falls on Wednesday, 1 November.
According to the Hindu calendar Drik Panchang, the auspicious time of Karwa Chauth starts on Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. IST and concludes on Wednesday at 9:19 p.m.
The fasting (vrat) time is from 6:33 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., and the moonrise time is at 8:15 p.m.
How Married Women Should Celebrate Karwa Chauth 2023
On Karwa Chauth, married Hindu women wake up early before sunrise around 4 a.m.
After bathing, women eat sargi platter (an auspicious feast prepared by their mother-in-law) before observing 'nirjala vrat', or fasting, by not taking food or even a drop of water after sunrise for the entire day.
The Sargi platter consists of fruits, sweets, dry fruits, and other favourite food items.
They then clean the temple at their home, light a diya, and worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya, for the long life of their husbands, and family's good luck and prosperity to the family.
The women then take a pledge for a nirjala vrat and listen to the Karwa Chauth story.
While some strictly follow the fasting rules and refrain from consuming anything till the moon rises, others have tea or coffee after listening to the Karwa Chauth story.
They dress up like a newly married bride, wearing red outfit and performing solah sringar (16 bridal ornaments) which includes wearing sindoor (vermilion), bangles, bindi, kajal, wearing traditional ornaments and others.
Some other colours that can be worn on Karwa Chauth day are red, pink, yellow, green and maroon. Wearing black, brown and white colours is considered inappropriate.
People also buy Karwa, a decorated earthen pot, and fill it with sweets.
A delicious feast is prepared at home to offer bhog (food to God).
Women break their fast only after looking at the Moon and their husbands' faces through a round mesh sift.
They offer water (arghya) to the moon using an earthen pot, after which the husband breaks his wife's fast by giving her a morsel of sweets and a sip of water.
The daughter-in-law also gives a baya (a gift or token of appreciation) to her mother-in-law. The baya includes money, clothes, jewellery, cosmetics, sindoor (vermilion) and sweets.
The festival ends with a gala feast where people enjoy delicious food with the family.