From the intricate designs of Mehndi to the gleaming radiance of shrighars, the day of Karwa Chauth holds immense significance for married women in Indian Culture. Cherishing for years, this modest festival has now evolved into glamour and modern-day sensibilities.
This auspicious day is filled with rituals, prayers, and a deep sense of devotion, making it a cherished celebration of love and marital bonds. It’s a day when women adorn themselves with beautiful attires, enjoy a pre-dawn meal called Sargi, and perform fasting until the moon rises.
The preparations for this one-day festival of Karwa Chauth start from days and months before the festival. Women start shopping for new clothes, jewelry, and cosmetics. They also buy decorative items for their homes like flowers and Puja Thalis.
Applying Henna a day before the festival is also the most popular tradition among women and young girls.
What is the History Behind Karwa Chauth?
The celebration of Karwa Chauth also known as Karak Chaturthi, dates back to the time of Mahabharata, during the Dvapara yuga. It was when lord Shree Krishna advised Draupadi to fast for Arjun’s long life, while he was away meditating in the Nilgiris.
Another Katha of Karwa Chauth can be traced back to Karva Devi, whose husband was attacked by a crocodile, and Savitri who requested the god of death to return their husband’s soul.
As per Drik Panchang, the tale of Karwa Chauth is also linked to Veeravati, who deeply loved her husband.
What’s the Vrat Katha for Karwa Chauth
As mentioned in Hindu Puranas, Veeravati had seven brothers who loved their sister so dearly. One day, Veeravati decided to keep a nirjala vrat for her husband, while she was visiting her home. However, due to weakness, she wasn’t able to bear her hunger and fainted. Meanwhile, upon seeing her sister in pain, her brother insisted she eat. But Veeravati denied their requests and waited for the moon to rise. Upon hearing her sister’s persistence in her decision not to eat anything till evening, Veeravati’s brothers tricked her with a reflection of the pipal tree, making her to break her fast.
Unfortunately, Veervati being tricked broke her fast without sighting the moon and her husband died. Veeravati was devasted by the news and couldn’t handle it. Then to comfort Veeravati, Goddess Indrani, the wife of God Indra arrived. She asked her to fast each month throughout the year in order to get her husband back alive. Her patience finally paid off, and by the end, her husband returned.
How Karwa Chauth was Celebrated in Olden Times
In the olden days, Karwa Chauth was celebrated with deep-rooted traditions and communal spirit. Women used to wake up early in the morning, before sunrise to eat sargi, a pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother- in-laws. This meal was significant as it provided them with energy to sustain their day-long nirjala fast.
The fast, known as the nirjala fast, was observed without consuming food and water from sunrise to moonrise. This reflected the women’s devotion and commitment to their husband’s well-being.
Women also used to engage in community gatherings to perform the rituals together. In the evening, an elder woman would narrate the vrath katha, highlighting the significance of vrat and the devotion of wives to their husbands.
The women also exchange thalis seven times, as a symbol of exchanging blessings and good wishes. It signifies the women’s bond and mutual support.
After the exchange, women use their thali items to perform the moon sighting ritual and look into the moon through a sieve and then at their husbands before breaking their fast.
Follow-up Trends by Gen-Z during Karwa Chauth
With the evolution of the modern era, Gen-Z including young women have brought fresh perspectives and trends to the celebration of Karwa Chauth.
They celebrate each of their festivals, especially Karwa Chauth with a blend of traditions and modern sensibilities.
Unmarried Women Fasting on Karwa Chauth
Apart from married women, unmarried women also used to seek blessings by fasting on Karwa Chauth. They perform fasting and other rituals for their future husband and harmonious married life.
Social Media
Gen-Z nowadays, is active on social media and share their Karwa Chauth glimpses and experiences, wearing the best traditional and semi-traditional attires on their social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and others.
From having the best Mehndi designs a day before to sharing their outfit of the day, with styling jewelry and makeup, they believe in showcasing each and every aspect of the festival.
Fasting Together
Where in the olden times women used to keep fasts for their husbands, nowadays, the Gen-Z believes in equality and embracing a more inclusive approach by fasting together. This trend promotes equality and mutual respect in relationships, reflecting the shift of modern values.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Nowadays, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, with many opting for eco-friendly decorations and rituals. This includes using biodegradable materials and reducing waste during the celebration decorations.
Virtual Gatherings
In the digital age, virtual gatherings have become popular. Friends and family members who are geographically distant can still participate in the rituals and celebrations through video calls and online platforms. It has also created a bridge for those who are in a long-term relationship with their partners.
Personalized Celebrations
Gen Z is making the festival their own by adding personal touches. This includes customized gifts, unique decorations, and incorporating elements that reflect their styles and preferences. These include unique styles of thali decorations, preparing special food, and Mehndi Tattoos. etc.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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