Karva Chauth Puja Rituals

Before The Fast

Married women are supposed to get up before sunrise, take a bath and seek blessings of Gods and the elders. Then the mother-in-laws gives the daughter-in-laws gifts which is known as 'Sargi'. Traditionally the mother-in-laws must fill earthen pots with foods such as fruits, fried potatoes, milk based sweets, roti etc. which gives strength to the woman's body to survive the fast. These foods of the Sargi has to be eaten by the daughter-in-laws before sunrise and beginning of the fast.

Baya

'Baya' is the gifts sent to the married daughter by her mother. This set of gifts include money, earthen pitcher, clothes, jewellery and sweets.

Shringar

On the day of the Karva Chauth, women who are observing the fast must adorn herself in the best of clothes and jewellery. She is also supposed to wear vermillion on her forehead and decorate her hands with henna patterns. She should look beautiful with all the 'Shringar' like a newly wed.

Puja Rituals

By the mid afternoon, the married women gather at a common place in the neighbourhood. A platform is made at the corner of the house and it is decorated with flowers and a beautiful image of Goddess Parvati is placed on it. Traditionally this idol should be made with mud or cow dung. But some people also place images. The story of Karva Chauth is narrated and is one of the most important rituals to be followed.

Evening Puja

In the evening, women sit around the idol with their Bayas. Each woman places a 'Karva' or a pitcher full of water and seven pieces of pua in front of her. A red thread is tied around the Karva. An earthen lamp is lit. All of this is placed on a plate. This plate is then carried to the place where the moon can be seen properly.

When the moon rises, the husband stands in front of the wife. The wife sees the moon through a sieve and offers water to the moon. Then she sees her husband's face through the sieve. She prays for the long life and safety of her husband. The husband feeds her with the first morsel of food and lets her take a sip of water. Thus, the Karva Chauth fast comes to an end. After this a grand meal follows.

Significance

Karva Chauth is observed by married women for the safety and longevity of their husbands. Sometimes even unmarried girls also keep fast if they are engaged or they want a good husband. Apart from the customs, Karva Chauth is the opportunity for the women to get together, socialise, exchange gifts and having a delicious meal.