Karwa Chauth an important festival among married Hindu women will be celebrated in the country. It falls on October 27, the fourth day after full moon this year. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Kartik. Married women observe nirjal fast praying to Goddess Parvati for the long lives of their husbands. Women wake up before dawn and eat Sargi, a traditional meal that is prepared by the mother-in-law. Karwa Chauth 2018 Red Outfits: Take Inspiration from These Bollywood Actresses on How to Rock the Colour of Love.

A sargi is prepared to bless the daughter-in-law on give her good wishes before she begins the Karwa Chauth fast. After eating sargi, women do not consume anything the entire day until they spot the moon in the evening. They then wait for the moon to appear and offer water to it seeking blessings. As part of the rituals, husbands then offer water and food to their wives to break their fast.  Karwa Chauth 2018 Significance: Know The History, Puja Muhurat, Vidhi and Mantra For The Festival.

Generally, a sargi thali consists of sweets, dry fruits, coconuts, sevvaiyan, mithai, cooked vegetables, halwa or fruits. It also includes gifts like saris and jewellery in it. There are scientific reasons why these food items are eaten before the fast.

Sevvaiyan and similar light cooked food keep one full the entire day. Sweets are considered auspicious and boost energy too. Fruits are included in Sargu because they have high water content and keep you hydrated and full for longer time.

Unmarried women also celebrate the festival for their prospective grooms. Women dressing traditional attires with many of them draping beautiful saris. They apply henna on their hands, meet other women observing fast, sing songs and exchange clay pots, a ritual during the festival.

The festival is generally celebrated in the northern states of India including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2018 05:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).