New Delhi: Karva Chauth is an old Indian tradition which has made a strong impression on us as a culture. It adds to the rich values of selflessness, social and moral ethics of India.
In Hindu religion, the goal of life is self-realization or the attainment of God and fasting has been a much sought after path to attain this
Karwa Chauth is one of the most popular festival specially for married women. Though the festival is much popular in Northern and Western Indian states like Punjab, U.P., Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, etc. But now the festival is known across the country for its pious rituals and reason.
The festival falls on the Kartik ki Chauth which means the fourth day of the wanning moon or dark fortnight of Hindu month of Kartik. According to English calendar, the month corresponds to October or November. The festival is comes about nine days before the festival of Diwali.
For a newly wed couple, the festival is celebrated with immense pomp and enthusiasm.
The important aspect of Karwa Chauth is that a dawn to dusk fast is undertaken by the ladies and they finally break the fast after seeing the moon. The fast is unique in itself because nowhere in this whole world does a wife go without food or water just to pray for the long-life and well-being of her husband.
On this auspicious occasion, two most popular gifts that are certain to be gifted to the ladies who observes the fast are 'Sargi' and 'Baya'. Sargi is basically the gift of scrumptious meals, sweets and clothes presented to the woman on the occasion of the Karva Chauth day.
Baya also includes of very similar things. On the first Karwa Chauth of a woman, the Sagi and Baya are extravagant and royal. Even on the Karwa Chauth in the life later on, the gifts are always precious.
All Hindu fasts have a deep spiritual and religious significance. It becomes imperative to be accurate in the Puja Process of the traditional rituals and that includes Karwachauth.
Some essentials that ensure a complete Karva Chauth are mentioned here.
