Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth (करवा चौथ) is a Hindu fasting ritual observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. It is celebrated on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) in the month of Kartik (October-November).
Overview
Karva Chauth is described in various folk traditions and regional texts as a day of fasting and prayer for the well-being of the husband. The fast is observed from sunrise to moonrise, during which the woman abstains from food and water. The practice is particularly popular in North India and is accompanied by various rituals, including the application of mehndi (henna), the wearing of new clothes, and the gathering of women for storytelling and singing.
Method
The woman wakes before sunrise and eats a meal (sargi) before the fast begins. She then abstains from food and water for the entire day. In the evening, she dresses in new clothes, applies mehndi, and gathers with other women for the karva chauth puja. The puja involves the worship of the Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and the moon. At moonrise, the woman views the moon through a sieve, then views her husband’s face through the same sieve, and breaks her fast after drinking water from her husband’s hands.
Benefits and Purpose
Traditional texts claim Karva Chauth:
- Ensures the well-being and longevity of the husband
- Strengthens the bond between husband and wife
- Invokes the blessings of Goddess Gauri
- Is a powerful act of devotion and love
- Is observed by millions of women across North India
Verification Notes
- Karva Chauth is described in various folk traditions and regional texts.
- The practice is particularly popular in North India (Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh).
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).