India is a nation of traditions and celebrations. Numerous festivals take place from east to west and from north to south. Karva Chauth is one of the most significant festivals observed in the northern region of the nation. Hindu and Sikh women who are married observe Karva Chauth by fasting in hopes of extending their husbands' lives. The purpose of the event is for women to pray and make wishes for their husbands' health, wealth, and longevity.
Karva Chauth is a combination of the two words Karva- earthen oil lamp, & Chauth - four respectively. Close to Diwali, on the fourth day of the Kartik month, is when Karva Chauth is observed. Kartik month honors the harvest season, a time for socializing and celebration. The Karva Chauth is a celebration of the lovely union of a husband and wife, honoring their love and comradery. Karva Chauth is no longer just a prayer; it has become a celebration.
Significance:
Karva Chauth was originally celebrated as a sisterhood and social importance holiday. When females were married young in the past, they were expected to leave home and live with their husband's families. The girls would be left alone and without someone to talk to about their issues and their love after the wedding. A brief ceremony was held on the day of the wedding to officially name a woman the bride's lifelong godsister. Women shared a sacred friendship and were regarded as soul sisters for life. In times of difficulty, stress, and adversity, the God-sister would share and sympathize with the bride, sharing their concerns.
The well-known stories surrounding Karva Chauth:
The festival's beginnings are supposedly the subject of various legends. We'll talk about several well-known myths and legends related to the celebration.
- Legend of Karva:
The legend of Karva has been connected to Karva Chauth. Karva was a married woman who adored her husband dearly. On a beautiful day, his spouse went to the river to bathe. Karva hurried to her spouse after hearing him scream after being captured by a crocodile. She was holding a cotton yarn in her hand when she first saw the crocodile. With the cotton thread in her hands, she dashed into the crocodile and dashed for Yama, the Lord of Death. She pleaded with Yama to damn the crocodile. Yama steadfastly declined. Karwa vowed to curse him when he became enraged. Yama granted her wish and consigned the being to hell. Karwa's husband was also granted long life by Yama.
- The Satyavan and Savitri Legend:
The Satyavan and Savitri Legend: It claims that Lord Yama arrived one day to take Satyavan's soul. Lord Yama refused to leave Satyavan at that point despite Satyavan's wife pleading with him too. Savitri skipped meals and drinks because she was upset and dissatisfied. Lord Yama gave her permission to wish for anything that would end her husband's life after observing her in this situation. She desired to have children, and to grant her wish, Lord Yama had to revive her husband.
- The legend of Veeravati:
Veeravati was a legendary queen who lived in the distant past. She was fortunate to have seven devoted brothers. She was wed to a monarch. Veeravati observed the fast at her parent’s house on her first Karva Chauth. She waited impatiently and for a very long time for the moon to break her fast. When he saw that she was in trouble, her brother devised a strategy to fool her by reflecting a mirror through the papaya leaves. Veeravati thought the light was the moon as soon as she saw it. She consumed some food and drink to break her fast. As soon as she finished her fast, she learned that her spouse was unwell.
She departed for the location, where she was met by Lord Shiva and Goddess "Parvati" as she entered the palace. Veeravati was informed by the goddess Parvati that her husband had left because she had broken her fast after spotting the false moon. The queen begged for pardon, and the goddess granted her a wish: if she could have Karwa Chauth complete all the ceremonies once more, her king would live. Veeravati concurred and carried out the instructions, reviving her spouse.
Rituals:
The fast begins at daybreak when ladies consume "sargi," a breakfast dish made by their mother-in-law. Women refrain from taking any water or food after eating the Sargi until the moon rises. The mornings are typically spent participating in community events, applying henna, etc. Every evening, all the women join together in prayer for their husband's long life and well-being. As soon as the moon rises, the fast ends. The husband is first seen through the same strainer that the women are using to see the moon through. The husband quickly offers water to the wife with some sweets.