Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?
Karva Chauth is an annual fast undertaken by North Indian women for the safety, well-being and long life of their husband. This is a celebrated event for each couple, and each married women holds this day in high regard. Hindu women and some Sikh women celebrate this festival each year.
Importance:
Chauth” means four, and “karwa” is an earthen lamp, which is used in performing the rituals for this fast. Karva Chauth comprises of these two words. The legends which point to origin of this day are:
Satyavan and Savitri: when Yam came to procure Satyavan’s soul on earth, Savitri pleaded to him to bring back his husband to life. When Yam did not agree, she stopped eating and drinking until Yam finally relented. Since that day, the day is celebrated as Karwachauth.
The story of Karva: a woman named Karva was deeply devoted to his husband. One day while bathing, his husband was caught by a crocodile. Karva came running and tied the crocodile’s mouth with cotton yarn. She went to Yam, requesting him to send the cruel crocodile to hell, to which he refused. Karva threatened to curse Yam for this, and he then agreed, threatened by the power of a devoted wife.
How is it celebrated?
The fast begins before sunrise. Women get up early, get dressed up in new, festive clothing and fast all day long. Not a drop of water can be taken before sighting of the moon at night. On this day, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and their son Kartikeya are worshipped with the “Karwas”. The Karwas are filled with delicacies and then gifted to sisters and daughters.
At night, prayers are offered to the moon, rituals are performed and after offering water to the moon, the women break their fast. As a custom, women dress up lavishly, even in their bridal clothes on this day. The husbands break their fast at night and pamper them. It is truly a celebration of the love between the couple.
When is it celebrated?
The festival is celebrated four days after “purnima” in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar.
Where is it celebrated?
It is celebrated in all of North India, like U.P., Punjab, Uttarakhand, J&K, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana.