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Home »Karwa Chauth |
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Karwa Chauth | |
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India is full of festivals and rituals. In northern India, Karwa Chauth is one of the most popular occasions among the married women. This day holds special significance as all the married women observe this day for the prosperity of their husbands. Generally, on Karwa Chauth married women keep fasts for the whole day and offer prayers for the long life and immense prosperity of their husbands. It is only after the moonrise that is in the evening after having a look at the moon, women break their fasts. Karwa Chauth festival is defined as a sacred festival. On this day, people socialize by sharing homemade foods and by exchanging gifts.
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Traditions of Karwa Chauth
It is said that Karwa Chauth is one of the most awaited occasions of northern parts of India. However, it is also a true fact that this festival is celebrated in almost all the regions of the country. The traditions and rituals of Karwa Chauth are really significant and are maintained by the people very religiously. This festival reflects happiness, joy, brightness and splendor of a married life. The popular traditions of Karwa Chauth comprise all such things that signify the marital status of a woman. Just before the festival of Karwa Chauth, the demand of bindi, lehnga-choli, bangles, jewelry and henna increases a lot. This festival binds people together.
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Origin of Karwa Chauth
The popular legend associated with Karwa Chauth says that there is actually a very sweet noble idea behind the origin of this festival. In earlier days, girls used to get married at a very young age and in their married life, if the girl faced any problem either with her husband or with her in-laws, then she would have no-one to share her feelings. That is why, the custom to befriend another woman developed. The friendship would be sanctified by a Hindu ceremony. It means that they would remain friends all their lives and would treat each other as real sisters. Thus, the celebration of Karwa Chauth started to celebrate the relationship of friendship. And today’s popular concept of fasting and praying for the well-being of the husbands came into existence much later.
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Customs of Karwa Chauth
People start preparing for this propitious occasion beforehand well in advance. The festival of Karwa Chauth is usually celebrated nine days before the Diwali celebrations. The date of Karwa Chauth falls in the month of Kartik as per the traditional Hindu calendar that is in between the months of October and November. The married woman dresses up in either red or maroon color traditional clothes, wear loads of jewelries, keep fasts and worship Goddess Gauri. Married women very dedicatedly and religiously observe this day for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. During this festive time married woman shop for colorful accessories and other traditional attires. It is generally in the evening time; married women (of a family or locality) gather at one place and conduct the Karwa Chauth puja in some temple. During the day time, women either chat or do some interesting activities to pass their time. Henna or ‘mehndi’ is another most important part of the Karwa Chauth celebrations, so on this day married women put henna on their hands. It is commonly believed that darker the color of the henna on your hands, the more will be the love and care you will get from your husband. These are some of the popular Karwa Chauth customs.
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