Karwa Chauth and it’s celebrations in Jaipur.
Karwa Chauth is celebrated on:
Karwa means “earthen pot,” representing good fortune, and Chauth means “fourth day.” Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day (Chauth) of the dark fortnight of the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik. According to the English calendar, the Kartik month falls in October or November. To be more specific, it falls about nine days before the Diwali festival.
What Karwa Chauth is all about:
According to a well-known legend, Queen Veeravati was once forced to break her fast by looking at the false moon displayed by her seven adoring brothers. But, as soon as Veeravati finished her meal, her husband died. Veeravati rushed over to her husband’s palace. On her way, Goddess Parvati informed Veeravati that her husband died as a result of her failure to observe the fast properly. Veeravati begged forgiveness and persevered through the arduous Karwa Chauth Fast under strict conditions. Goddess Parvati delighted in resurrecting her husband’s life.
Karwa Chauth preparations:
Karwa Chauth is a grand festival, and elaborate preparations are made for this auspicious occasion. Married women dress up in their best clothes, usually red or pink. Women dress up in new sarees for the occasion. They dress up with jewelry, colorful glass bangles, bindi, and intricate Mehendi designs on both palms. The main tradition is to dress up as a bride.
Karwa Chauth Rituals:
The rituals begin with the rising of the sun. Married women get up early before sunrise and eat a variety of foods known as’sargi.’ Following the sargi, women fast from sunrise to Moonrise, not consuming even a drop of food or water. Surprisingly, many loving husbands observe the fast as well for the sake of their wives. The fast is only broken after the moon rises.
Breaking the fast with the Moonrise:
After the puja, a desperate wait for the Moonrise begins. When the moon rises, women go to the terrace or open area and use the Karwa to offer Argya to the moon. Wives look at the moon and then at their husbands through a sieve. Women drink water from their husband’s hands after worship and break their fast with a piece of sweet.
Traditional presents
Women present “Baya” to their mother-in-law after completing all of the rituals. This is the same baya that is rotated in the thali during puja. Women are also given gifts by their husbands and Husbands use gifts to express their love and care for their wives. This depicts the illustrious face of this auspicious festival.
