Karwa Chauth 2023 will be observed on Monday, November 1. It is a significant and culturally rich Hindu festival primarily observed by married women in India, especially in North India. As you celebrate Karwa Chauth 2023, we at LatestLY have compiled a list of some common sargi items and their significance on Karwa Chauth. Karwa Chauth 2023 Date, Legends and Significance: Know All About the Celebration of Love, Sacrifice and Togetherness.
What is Sargi?
"Sargi" is a traditional pre-dawn meal that is specially prepared by a mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law, who observes a day-long fast on Karwa Chauth. The term "sargi" is commonly used in North India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.
Sargi Thali Items
Fenugreek Seeds (Methi): Fenugreek seeds are often included in sargi preparations. Methi is believed to help control blood sugar levels and provide energy throughout the day. It is also considered auspicious and signifies fertility and the growth of a family.
Fruits: Sargi typically includes a variety of fruits, such as bananas, apples, and pomegranates. These fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars to keep women energized during the day-long fast.
Sweets: Sweets like meethi mathri, fenia, or jalebi are included to provide a quick source of energy and satisfy the craving for something sweet. Sweets symbolize the sweetness of marital life and the desire for a sweet relationship between the husband and wife.
Dry Fruits: A mixture of dry fruits, including almonds, cashews, and raisins, is often part of sargi. These nutrient-rich items are meant to sustain the fasting women and ensure they receive essential minerals and proteins.
Savoury Items: Some sargi plates may contain savoury snacks like namkeen or mathri. These salty items are included to balance the palate and provide variety in taste.
Cooked Food: In some regions, a cooked dish such as sevaiyaan (sweet vermicelli) or "poori-aloo" (fried bread with potato curry) is prepared and served as part of the sargi meal. These items offer sustenance and help to keep the hunger at bay.
Karwa Chauth Sieve: Along with the food items, a sieve is also a part of sargi. The sieve is used to view the moon during the evening ceremony when the fast is broken.
Water: A glass of water is included in sargi to ensure that women remain hydrated during the day.
The sargi is not only a practical meal to provide sustenance during the fast but also carries cultural and emotional significance. The sargi meal is typically consumed before sunrise, and it is a way of ensuring that the fasting women have a nutritious and satisfying meal to keep them energized throughout the day until they break their fast at the moonrise.
Wishing everyone a Happy Karwachauth 2023!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2023 11:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).