Karva Chauth, one of the most popular festivals in India is observed with a lot of enthusiasm among married women. It is celebrated mainly by married Hindu women belonging to North India. However, it is celebrated these days by Hindu women belonging to many other states in the country. Let us find out more about this festival in this brief write-up.
When is Karva Chauth in 2021 – Significance and tips to make it a success
This year Karva Chauth will be celebrated on October 24th. How do women observe this day? What is Karva Chauth meaning? On this day married women observed a fast without even drinking a sip of water. This is usually referred to as nirjala fasting. It is not just water that is restricted but food as well.
If you are fasting, you must fast without drinking a sip of water throughout the day. The main purpose of the ritual is to wish long and healthy life for the husband.
There are times when you will find ladies often fall sick due to fasting but as the rituals demand, you cannot quit mid-way. What happens when the woman falls sick? Also known as Karva Chauth vrat, it is observed on the 4th day after Purnima or full moon night in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar.
Women dress up in dazzling sarees, wear expensive clothes and jewellery and apply henna to their hands. They break the fast only after viewing the moon through the sieve. Simultaneously, they see the face of their husbands as well, immediately after seeing the moon with the sieve. The womenfolk then break their nirjala vrat when the husband feeds them water and some sweets.
If the wife is ill
If a lady falls sick, the husband can observe the fast. At the end of the day, the husband must break the fast and complete the rituals of the puja. Even if she is admitted into the hospital, and is unable to do the fast, she can offer her salutations to the moon and break the fast. She can consume fruits.
Tips for a happy Karva Chauth gathering
Now that the pandemic is still prevailing, the norms of social distancing will have to be maintained as well. Since this is a difficult fast to observe and you have to stay without food and water for the entire day, it is best to stay safe within the safe walls of your home so that additional hassles do not spoil your health or make you feel weak before you break the fast.
Here, are a few tips that can help you to have a happy Karva Chauth with your loved ones. If at all you must invite friends or family members over for the rituals, do so by having a minimum number of guests at your place. Aside from that follow these tips.
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Plan beforehand
Since the weather conditions are unpredictable and due to the pandemic, not all shops may always remain open, it is best to plan. Get all your essential items at your disposal one or two days before the rituals.
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A pre-dawn mean if possible
Since you will be fasting throughout the day, find out whether having a pre-dawn meal is allowed. By doing so, you gather the strength to sail you throughout the rest of the day. Also, many ladies have medicines to take in the morning after food, which will help them in the same. Find out more about what you can have in sargi, which is a traditional pre-dawn thali, which is given to a daughter-in-law by the mother-in-law.
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Try not to have fried stuff
Having fried food for breaking your fast can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. So, have something healthy for breaking your fast.
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Do not flout pandemic norms
Even though you are celebrating Karva Chauth, do not forget to use sanitizers and wear masks when you are among a lot of friends.
If you are observing the rituals safely, you do not fall sick and your wishes for your healthy life and that of your loved ones bear fruit for sure.
Also Read: Deepavali 2021 – A Festival of Bright Lights
