Karva Chauth Fast: The Rituals & Traditions
Karva Chauth is one among the most important of fasts observed by a married women. Though it is basically linked to the north Indian states, over the years fasting for Karva Chauth has become a fad throughout the country. There are many rituals, customs and traditions associated with Karva Chauth fast. Celebrated around Diwali, this fast is observed by wives for the long life and prosperity of husbands. In most of the regions, the traditions abstain a married woman from drinking even a drop of water during the fast. However, some allow the ladies to have water, fruit juices or certain food items. But mostly the tradition vouches for fasting without even drinking water. The fast commences with the sunrise and is broken after the moonrise. During the entire period, women on fast indulge in worshiping, listening to the story of Karva Chauth and doing Karva Chauth prayers.
Giving the Fast a Healthy Touch
We are sure that you must have planned everything to the 'T' for this Karva Chauth. Right from your designer saree to the stunning jewelery, from your mehendi to some amazingly delicious food; All is set. Well, Karva Chauth is indeed one of the most difficult fasts observed by married women. Given the stretched hours of fasting without food and water, the body gets dehydrated and the stomach too grumbles with hunger. How do you then manage to stay healthy and energetic throughout the day?
Some ladies even suffer from gastric issues. The day-long fast can make you battle low blood pressure, nausea, acidity, and headaches. Feasting post the fast also stands impossible as the body fails to handle all the food together. So here we have got for you certain tips that would help you observe the fast in a healthy manner without feeling tired or strained.
Choosing the type of Karva Chauth Fast
Very importantly, you must make it a point to choose a Karva Chauth fast that suits your body. Though the original fast is quite strict and doesn't even allow to have a drop of water the entire day, some parts of the country give the leniency to women to take some amount of water. Also, working ladies find it hard to fast to the extremes. They allow themselves to have small quantity of liquids like water, and fruit juices. So, you have to decide as to what type of fast you wish to keep and abide by it accordingly.
Beginning the Karva Chauth Fast
In most of the traditions, the fast begins with sunrise and before that, married women are allowed to have Sargi. The Sargi consists of fruits, Indian bread, milk, fried potatoes and sweets that are said to provide strength to the body during the fast. While you have Sargi, make sure you don't eat other sugary foods. This is because sugary food items have the tendency of aggravating your hunger pangs later in the day.
Foods You Must Eat After the Karva Chauth Fast
After fasting for the whole day, you certainly wish to devour some delicious food. But as said, the stretched hours of fasting weakens the body and it might not be able to take much of food. You will have to go slow and healthy with your diet post the fast so that there are no health complications whatsoever. Here check out what all food items you must eat after breaking your fast:
Protein rich diet: As your body is out of energy, you must gain it back by eating good amount of proteins. You can have fruits like apple and veggies like carrot that would help you regain the lost energy. Sprouts and oats can also be a great option to satisfy your hunger in a healthy manner.
More of liquids: Treat your body with plenty of liquids after breaking the fast. Consume fruit juices and water. You can even get some instant energy by gulping down some lemonade before eating the meal. It will help in cutting down the acid that forms in the empty stomach.
Yogurt: It is best to eat a cup of fresh yogurt after breaking the fast. It helps in getting rid of the toxins.
Foods to avoid after breaking the Karva Chauth fast
No Acidic Foods: As you have been on empty stomach throughout the day, it would be best to abstain acidity causing foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, cheese, tomatoes etc.
No Oily Foods: It's advised to abstain from oily and fried foods once you break your Karva Chauth fast. This is mainly because too much of oil content can make you feel nauseated.
No Rice: You might be extremely fond of rice, but it would be better if you ditch the bowl just for a day. As rice has lots of calories, the body would find it difficult to digest it during the night.
Take it all easy and fast in a healthy manner so that your body doesn't have to bear any health issues. May your Karva Chauth be delightful and incredible. Happy Karva Chauth!