Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu fasting ritual observed by married women, mainly in North India. The word “Karva” refers to the clay pot used to store wheat and “Chauth” means the fourth day, indicating that the fast is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.

This festival is primarily celebrated by married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. It is considered one of the most significant and widely observed rituals in North India. The fast is quite rigorous, as women abstain from both food and water during daylight hours.

Here are some key aspects of Karva Chauth:

1. Fasting: Married women begin their fast before sunrise and refrain from eating or drinking throughout the day until they see the moonrise.
2. Sargi: Before the fast begins, the mother-in-law traditionally gives her daughter-in-law a pre-dawn meal called “Sargi,” which consists of various foods and sweets. This meal is meant to sustain the fasting woman throughout the day.
3. Dressing Up: Women often dress in their finest attire, apply henna (mehndi) on their hands, and decorate themselves with jewelry. It is a time when women take special care of their appearance.
4. Puja (Prayers): In the evening, a community gathering or puja is organized, usually at a temple or among a group of married women in a neighborhood. Women come together, and prayers are offered to the moon, which is believed to have a direct connection to the well-being of their husbands. Traditional songs and stories are also shared during this time.
5. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken once the moon rises, and women see it through a sieve. The first sip of water and the first morsel of food are offered by the husband to his wife. This symbolizes the successful completion of the fast.
6. Social Celebration: Karva Chauth is not only a religious observance but also a social event. Women come together to celebrate and support each other during this festival.

Karva Chauth is a symbol of love, devotion, and commitment between a husband and wife. It is also a time when women receive blessings from their elders and friends. While it is most prevalent in North India, it has gained popularity in other parts of India as well, and its significance continues to grow as a symbol of marital love and solidarity.