Karwa Chauth, a revered Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour, is a time of devotion and prayer observed mainly by married women. This auspicious day falls on November 1 this year and is particularly significant in North Indian states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Also known as Karaka Chaturthi or Karva Chauth, it occurs on the Chaturthi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The festival revolves around married women observing a rigorous nirjala vrat, or fasting without water or food, to pray for their husband’s long life and prosperity. After the moon rises, they break their fast, glimpse the moon through a sieve, and then look through it at their husband.
In return, the husband offers his wife a bite of food and a sip of water. While Karwa Chauth is a special occasion for all married women, it holds a unique significance for newlyweds who are observing their first Karwa Chauth fast. Let’s explore the rituals and traditions of these newlyweds as they celebrate this special day.
First Karwa Chauth for newly wedded brides
The first Karwa Chauth is a significant occasion for every married woman, symbolizing the deep bond between her and her husband. Families from both sides consider it a special day when friends and relatives visit to convey their best wishes to the newlyweds. For this important milestone, the bride receives gifts from everyone.
Newly married women celebrating their first Karwa Chauth are given thoughtful gifts from their in-laws and their maternal home that signify the importance of the day. As part of tradition, the new daughter-in-law should also gift her mother-in-law with a specially curated ‘Baya’. ‘Baya’ usually includes clothing, jewellery, food and wedding memorabilia. This gesture symbolizes respect and affection and is done to get blessings from the mother-in-law.
Meaning of Sargi
Sargi is another essential ritual of the festival where the mother-in-law personally hands it over to her daughter-in-law on the first Karva Chauth. A Sargi plate contains various items such as fruits, mathri (a type of fried bread), sweets, dry fruits and other edibles. Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law participate in the Sargi before sunrise. This shared meal strengthens their bond and increases their sense of belonging during this special day.
Morning Rituals
On the morning of Karwa Chauth, newlyweds should rise early, take a purifying bath and prepare for a day of devotion and prayer. Daily activities begin with cleaning the home temple, lighting a diya (lamp) and offering prayers to deities like Maa Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. After the prayers, they commit to Nirjala Vrat, which means their commitment to fast without food or water until they see the moon.
Listening to Karwa Chauth Katha
A significant part of the celebrations is listening to Karwa Chauth Katha, a narration that tells the story of Queen Veervati and her devotion to her husband. This story reinforces the importance of fasting and the bond between husband and wife. Many women gather to listen to Katha and draw inspiration from her teachings.
Adornment of traditional clothes and Solah Sringar
Newly married brides should wear traditional clothing, often in shades of red, which is considered highly auspicious for the occasion. They engage in Solah Sringar, a term that refers to sixteen adornments that include make-up, jewelry and the application of mehendi (henna) on the hands and feet. It is essential to avoid wearing black, brown and white colors on this day.
While black and white are traditionally considered inauspicious, brown symbolizes Rahu and Ketu, the shadow planets in Vedic astrology. Instead, brides can opt for colors like red, pink, yellow, green and maroon to increase the festive spirit.
So, on your first Karwa Chauth, take part in these rituals and traditions to strengthen your bond with your husband. Remember, it is a day of devotion, togetherness and celebration, representing a lasting commitment between husband and wife.
