Karwa Chauth is a significant Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in North India, where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Karwa Chauth is celebrated on the fourth day of the full moon in the month of Kartik according to Hindu Calendar. This traditional festival, steeped in love and devotion, has evolved into a celebration honouring the bond between husband and wife.
Why Do We Celebrate Karwa Chauth?
The origins of Karwa Chauth are deeply rooted in ancient traditions. "Karwa" means earthen pot, and "Chauth" refers to the fourth day after the full moon. Married Hindu women observe a 'nirjala vrat,' a fast in which they abstain from food and even a single drop of water from sunrise until moonrise. Historically, the festival was celebrated to mark the bond of friendship between brides and their in-laws. However, over time, it evolved into a day when women prayed for the long life of their husbands.
The festival is celebrated primarily by married Hindu women, who believe that fasting on this day will ensure the safety, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. It is also seen as an opportunity to express love and strengthen the marital bond.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth, also known as Karak Chaturthi, is a significant festival observed by married women. This day is celebrated with the belief that it honours Goddess Parvati, who undertook a fast to win Lord Shiva as her husband. It is more than just a fast; it is a celebration of love, dedication, and the sanctity of marriage. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment, trust, and mutual respect in a marital relationship. Unmarried women may also participate in the festival, observing the fast to pray for a desired life partner.
In modern times, while the traditional aspects of the festival are still observed, Karwa Chauth has also become a social event. Women often participate in exchange gifts, and share their experiences, making it a day of joy and togetherness.
Rituals of Karwa Chauth
Early Morning Ritual (Sargi):
- The day begins before sunrise.
- Women consume a special meal called Sargi, prepared by their mothers-in-law.
- It includes fruits, sweets, and nourishing foods to sustain them throughout the fast.
Fasting Begins:
- After Sargi, women start their fast.
- They refrain from eating or drinking until the moonrise at night.
Daytime Activities:
- Applying mehndi (henna) on their hands.
- Dressing in traditional attire.
- Gathering with other married women for prayers and rituals.
Karwa Puja:
- One of the main rituals of the day.
- Women listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha (the story of love, sacrifice, and devotion).
- The story reinforces the significance of the fast.
Moonrise Rituals:
- Women eagerly wait for the moon to appear.
- Once visible, they look at the moon and then at their husbands’ faces through a sieve.
- They take the first sip of water, offered by their husbands, to break the fast.
Symbolism:
- Drinking water from their husbands’ hands marks the completion of the ritual.
- It symbolizes love, devotion, and the strengthening of marital bonds.
Karwa Chauth 2025 Date and Time:
Karwa Chauth falls on 10th October 2025, Friday.
- Moonrise (Fast Break) - 8:13 pm
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 10:54 PM on Oct 09, 2025
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 07:38 PM on Oct 10, 2025.
