Karva Chauth Puja

In Hindu tradition, Karwa Chauth Fast symbolizes the sanctity of the relationship between a husband and wife. Women observe this fast for the long life and good health of their husbands. This fast is also done for the long life of the son and happiness and good health for the whole family.

Preparation for the Puja

• In Baayna in a Karva (clay pot with the spout), fill wheat grains and put a little sugar on the lid along with money.
• If at married sister or daughter resides in the same city, Baayna is sent to her the previous day.
• Roli, chawal, Aarti Ki Thali
• Churma or Halwa for offering to the moon
• Pata and Aasan
• Water in a Kalash
• In some houses, the year the girl gets married her mother sends a karva made out of silver for her.

Vidhi / Method of Performing the Puja

• Women dress up in Zari (silk with woven gold) clothes with Bindi, bangles, Nath. They apply Mehndi on their hands and then perform their Puja.
• Place the Kalash with water and Karva on the Pata.
• Draw a Sathiya and put 13 Tikkis with Roli on the Kalash and Karva.
• By sprinkling Roli and Chawal perform the Puja.
• Taking 13 wheat grains in the hand, listen to the Katha of Karva Chauth.

• After the Katha, keep aside the wheat grains in a packet or tie them to your saree pallu for offering to the moon at night.
• Listen to the Katha of Bindaayakji (Shri Ganesh).
• Baayna is taken out. Sprinkle Roli and Chawal on the Karva. Then apply Tikka to yourself. Covering your folded hands with Saree-Pallu/odni rotate them over the Baayna four times. Then get up and give the Baayna to your mother-in-law seeking her blessings. Baayna could also be given to your elder sister-in—law, nanad (husband s sister) or any woman elder to you. If you are alone in the house, you can keep the Baayna in the Puja room and later either give it to a Brahmin or it can be sent to the temple.

Giving Arag to the Moon in the Night

• After sighting the moon, from the Kalash containing the Puja water slowly pour the water towards the moon. While pouring the water, keep the wheat grains in the left hand (which were kept aside while listening to the Katha). Churma or Halwa is offered to the moon. After this, standing at the same place go around four times. Touch the water offered to the moon from the floor and touch it to your eyes as blessings for good luck.

• While giving the Arag some people sing this couplet:
  "Chand jaisi chandni motiyon ko sohar
  Jeene-arag deta jeevo veer bhartar" (veer - Brother, Bhartar - Husband).

• After the Puja, touch the feet of the elders in the family and break the fast.