Karwa Chauth, a traditional Hindu festival celebrated predominantly by married women, is a day of fasting and prayer. This auspicious occasion is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2023, the fast of Karva Chauth will be observed on Wednesday, November 1. The festival holds deep cultural and emotional significance, portraying the love, devotion, and solidarity between married couples. Karwa Chauth Last-Minute Mehndi Ideas: Video of Husband Applying Mehndi For Wife Using Bangles and Earbuds Goes Viral. 

Date & Significance of Karwa Chauth 2023

Karwa Chauth is a manifestation of a wife's love and devotion to her husband. Married women observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and water, to pray for their husband's long life and well-being. The festival symbolizes the deep bond between husband and wife. Through rituals and fasting, couples reaffirm their commitment to one another, promising to support and care for each other throughout their lives.

Karwa Chauth involves a series of customs that start from dawn and continue throughout the day. Married women apply mehndi (henna) on their hands, wear new clothes, and gather with other women to perform rituals and prayers. The fast is broken only after the moon rises, and the husband offers water and food to his wife. A significant part of Karwa Chauth is the evening puja, where women gather with their Karwas (specially decorated pots) containing sacred items for prayers. The fast is concluded by sighting the moon.

Karwa Chauth Vrat Thali Decoration

Karwa Chauth holds a unique place in Indian culture. It showcases the enduring commitment of married couples and their willingness to make sacrifices for each other's well-being. While traditionally women have observed this fast, in modern times, many husbands also fast on this day to support their wives. The festival has evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of relationships.

Legends, Historical and Mythological Background

The history of Karwa Chauth is steeped in mythology and legends. One popular story revolves around Queen Veervati, who endured a strict fast on Karwa Chauth to protect her husband's life. Due to her inadvertent mistake, she broke her fast, leading to her husband's death. Heartbroken, she sought guidance from a saint, who advised her to observe Karwa Chauth with dedication. Her unwavering devotion eventually restored her husband's life.

Another story harks back to the Mahabharata, where Draupadi observed a similar fast for the well-being of her husband. Her devotion played a pivotal role in saving her husband, the Pandavas.

Karva Chauth Vrat Katha

Karva Chauth Vrat Katha in Hindi

Karwa Chauth is not merely a religious festival; it is a testament to the power of love, devotion, and sacrifice in marriage. As couples come together to celebrate this day, they renew their promises and affirm their enduring commitment to each other. Karwa Chauth is a cherished and timeless tradition that transcends generations and continues to be a celebration of love, unity, and the sacred bond of marriage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2023 06:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).