Karwa Chauth: History & importance of the auspicious day

Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by married women for a long and healthy life of their husbands. These married women observe a full day fast for the purpose and once the sun sets perform certain rituals and break the fast by the hands of their husband. This ritual has been observed by several generations. Read more to know about the importance and history of Karwa Chauth.

Also read | Karwa Chauth Festival Scenes As Shown In Iconic Bollywood Movies

Karwa Chauth history and importance

Karwa Chauth, according to the Hindu calendar is celebrated during the Krishna Paksh Chaturthi during the month Karthik. In this festival, women fast from sunrise to sunset and pray for the longevity and health of their husbands. The fast observed by women has historical significance. In Mahabharata, Savitri begged mercy on her husband’s life to the God of Death, Lord Yama. Another incident from the Mahabharata talks about how Draupadi observed a fast for Arjuna. When Arjuna went to the Nilgiris to pray and meditate for a few days Draupadi got worries about his safety. Her worries lead her to ask her brother Krishna for help. Krishna advised her to observe a strict fast just like the one Parvati observed for her husband Lord Shiva. Draupadi’s fast was fruitful as Arjuna returned safely.

Also read | Karwa Chauth: 5 Food Items That Must Be A Part Of Your Sargi This Year 

On the morning of Karwa Chauth, married women rise early and eat the sargi made by their mothers-in-law. According to traditions practiced in this festival, sargi constitutes sweets, fruits, dry fruits, coconuts and gifts from the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law as a blessing to complete the fast successfully. These women then observe the fast without consuming water or any food item of sorts. Once the sun sets and moon rises, the women can break the fast, worship the moon and pray for their husbands. Some unmarried women also observe the Karwa Chauth fast. But instead of the sargi they consume heavy breakfast and are advised to constitute citrus fruits to keep them hydrated for the entire day. Instead of worshipping the moon, unmarried women worship the pole star. This year Karwa Chauth will be cleberated on October 17 accroding to the Hindu calendar.

Also read | Karwa Chauth: Here Are Some Bollywood Inspired Looks For The Festival

Also read | After Creating Record, Virat Kohli Celebrates First Karwa Chauth With Anushka Sharma; Here Are Couple's Lovely Posts For Each Other