Karva Chauth: Festival of love, dedication and faith
Karva Chauth is a special festival which holds special significance for married women. On this day, women wish for the long life and happiness and prosperity of their husbands. Karva Chauth fast strengthens the love and trust between husband and wife. This festival is considered a symbol of dedication and love. On this day, women do Solah Shringar and do not consume water or food from sunrise till the sighting of the moon. As soon as the moon appears, they break their fast after seeing it.
What time is the auspicious time to worship Karva Chauth? (Karwa Chauth 2024 Date Time Shubh Muhurat)
In 2024, the fast of Karva Chauth will be observed on Sunday, October 20. Every year this fast is observed on Chaturthi of Kartik month. Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Karva Mata are worshiped on this day. According to the Panchang, Chaturthi Tithi will start from 6:46 am on October 20 and will continue till 4:16 am on October 21. The auspicious time of puja will be from 5:40 to 7:02 pm on 20th October.
Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi (Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi In Hindi)
Karva Chauth fast begins in the morning before sunrise by eating “Sargi”, which is given by the mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law. In the evening women worship Karva Mata and Shiva family. After this the fast story is heard and narrated. When the moon rises at night, women break their fast by offering Arghya to the moon.
For the worship of Karva Chauth, a post should be established in the north or east direction. After sprinkling Ganga water on it, a clean red or yellow cloth should be spread. Idols or pictures of Karva Mata, Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya should be installed. It is considered very auspicious to use an earthen Karve, and turmeric-kumkum must be applied on the Karve and Kalava (thread) should be tied.
Some special rules should be followed on this day, like women should not sleep till late in the morning. Also, one should avoid giving wedding items to anyone and should not use foul language. Blessings of elders should be taken. Donating white things and using sharp objects is considered taboo. Rose perfume must be used, and it is auspicious to gift a red colored handkerchief or cloth to the husband. Wearing black, grey, blue, white and brown colored clothes should also be avoided.
On this day, turmeric tilak should be applied to the cow and touching the cow is considered auspicious. Soaked gram dal should be offered to the cow. Reciting Durga Chalisa and offering makeup items to Goddess Durga is considered auspicious. A ghee lamp should be lit near the Tulsi plant and Chunari should be offered. One should keep five turmeric lumps in front of Lord Ganesha and chant his mantra 108 times.
The festival of Karva Chauth gives the message of sweetness and dedication in the relationship between husband and wife. In the preparations for this day, applying mehndi, wearing bangles and doing sixteen makeups are important. The bindi on the forehead, the bangles on the hands, and the anklets on the feet all make this day more special.
Just as moonlight scatters on the blue sky, may the festival of Karva Chauth bring the joy of love in everyone’s life. Happy Karva Chauth to all the married women on this auspicious occasion!
