Karwa Chauth is regarded as the most important ritual in the Hindu religion. During this festival, married women observe fast the whole day without consuming food, not even a single drop of water. Women believe that fasting on the day of Karwa Chauth will bring in good luck and their husbands will be blessed with a long and healthy life.

When is Karwa Chauth actually celebrated?

As per the Gregorian calendar, Karwa Chauth 2020 falls on the 4th of November month. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Karwa Chauth is observed on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.

Karwa Chauth Significance

A woman named Karwa was truly in love with her husband which blessed her with many spiritual powers. One day a crocodile attacked her husband when he was bathing in the river. Seeing that, Karwa enslaved the crocodile with cotton yarn and evoked Yama who is known as a god of death. Karva asked Yama to send the crocodile to hell but Yamaraj refused to do so. Karwa then threatened Yamraj of cursing him. Listening to the words of the devoted wife, Lord Yama got scared and sent the crocodile to hell. Yamraj blessed Karwa’s husband with a longer life and thus Karwa and her husband lived happily ever after.

There are many other mythological stories which tell us the importance of performing Karwa Chauth rituals. This puja or worship is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is mentioned in the religious scriptures that Maa Parvati had performed this Karwa Chauth ritual for the well-being of her husband Lord Shiva.

What to do on Karwa Chauth

Women should wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Observe the fast from sunrise and end it on moonrise. Recite or listen to the holy story of Karwa Chauth. Prepare traditional foods for the occasion of Karwa Chauth. Participate in activities organized by women of Karwa Chauth where women worship deities for divine blessings. The Sergi which is a collection of dry fruits, fruits, and sweets is offered by mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law on the day of Karwa Chauth.

Although this festival is observed by women, the husband should be present on the evening of Karwa Chauth. Worship the moon with proper rituals of Karwa Chauth and break the fast by drinking water and eating Fenia, a traditional sweet dish, from the hands of the husband which shows immense love and bond of a couple.

Benefits of Karwa Chauth

This blissful Karwa Chauth ritual when performed with utmost dedication and belief will benefit the married couples in the following ways:

• The husband of a woman who observed the Karwa Chauth will be blessed with prosperity.
• The woman’s married life and her family will be blessed with good physical and mental health.
• Women will be blessed with trouble-free and happy married life.
• The husband of Karwa Chauth observer will be blessed with a long life.