Karva Chauth 2025 - Thu, 9 Oct, 2025 – Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India and other countries with significant Indian communities. It typically falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika (October-November). Karva Chauth Vrat falls on the 4th day of Krishna Paksh in the month of Karthik. The fast of Karva Chauth is kept by Hindu women for the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands.

Women observe a day-long fast for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. The fast begins before sunrise and ends only after sighting the moon in the evening. Women do not eat or drink anything during the fast.

The origin of this festival is based upon a very sweet and noble idea. In earlier times, girls would get married at a very young age, and had to go and live with their in-laws in other villages far away from their parents. If she had any problems with her husband or in-laws, she would have no one to talk to or seek support from.

Thus, there grew a custom where the bride would befriend another woman to share her joys and sorrows. Their friendship would be sanctified through a small Hindu ceremony right during the marriage. Once the bride and the woman became god-friends or god-sisters as they are commonly known, they would remain so all their lives and recognize the relation as such. They would also treat each other like real sisters.

After becoming friends, they would share all their joys, sorrows and problems. Thus, Karva Chauth started as a festival to celebrate this friendship (relationship) between the brides and their god-friends (god-sisters). Praying and fasting for the sake of husband came later and was secondary. It was probably added, along with other mythical tales, to enhance the festival. In any case, the husband would always be associated with this festival, because the day of starting this holy friendship between two god-sisters was essentially the day of bride s marriage to him. Thus, praying and fasting for him by his wife during the celebration of her relationship with the god-friend would be quite logical.

Ritual

Pre-Fast Preparations

1. Shopping and Preparation:

   • Women buy new clothes, jewelry, and decorative items for the occasion.

   • Special foods are prepared, including sweets and snacks to be enjoyed after the fast is broken.

   • Karva Chauth thali (a decorated plate with essential items for the puja) is prepared. This includes a diya (lamp), kumkum (vermilion), rice, and sweets.

2. Sargi:

   • On the morning of Karva Chauth, women eat a pre-dawn meal called sargi, which is prepared by their mothers-in-law. This meal often includes fruits, sweets, and a variety of dishes meant to keep them nourished throughout the day.

The Fast

1. Fasting:

   • Women begin the fast at dawn and abstain from food and water until the moon is visible in the evening.

2. Spiritual Reflection:

   • Many women use the fasting period for spiritual reflection, reciting prayers or mantras for the health and longevity of their husbands.

Puja (Worship) Rituals

1. Gathering:

   • Women gather at a designated place for the Karva Chauth puja. This is often done in a community setting or at a family member’s house.

2. Puja Ceremony:

   • Women perform the puja by lighting a diya and offering prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesh for the well-being of their husbands.

   • They listen to the Karva Chauth Katha (a traditional story) which highlights the virtues of devotion and faith.

3. Songs and Chants:

   • Traditional songs and hymns related to Karva Chauth are sung during the puja. Women might also exchange stories or recite poems about the festival.

Moon Viewing and Breaking the Fast

1. Sighting the Moon:

   • Women wait for the moon to rise, peering through a sieve to see its reflection. The sighting of the moon is considered auspicious.

2. Breaking the Fast:

   • After seeing the moon, women offer water to the moon through a sieve and then break their fast by eating food and drinking water.

   • Husbands often help in breaking the fast by giving the first sip of water or bite of food to their wives.

Post-Fast Celebrations

1. Feasting:

   • After breaking the fast, families gather for a celebratory meal. This is a joyous occasion with special dishes and desserts.

2. Gifts and Exchange:

   • Women may exchange gifts and sweets with other women who observed the fast.

Celebrations

• Community Gatherings: Women often gather in groups to perform the puja and share stories and sweets.
• Dressing Up: Women dress in traditional attire, usually in red or pink, and adorn themselves with jewelry and henna.

करवा चौथ की विधी, कथा और अन्य जानकारी हिंदी में लेने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें