Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is a one-day festival observed annually by Hindu married women, who fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husbands' well-being and longevity. Unmarried women also take a part of this festival hoping to find their ideal life partner. The festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually falling in mid to late October. It is popular in northern Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Women observe a strict 'Nirjala' fast, refraining from both food and water. The day begins at dawn with Sargi, a special pre-dawn meal prepared by mothers-in-law (Saas) for their Daughter-in-Law (Bahu) consisting of vermicelli, sweets, dry fruits. Mother-in-law give some symbols of marital status like toe rings, bangles, and vermillion with lots of blessing. Women also adorn their hands with henna. n Hindu mythology, Mahavar (also known as Alata) is considered one of the sixteen traditional adornments (Solah Shringar) that enhance a woman's beauty. On the day of Karwa Chauth, women especially apply it on their feet.

In the evening, they dress in festive attire, gather with neighbors, and pray to Goddess Gauri for a happy and long married life. Thalis are exchanged, songs are sung, and blessings are given younger women for a happily married life and prosperity. 

The festival is linked to several mythological stories. One popular tale is of Savitri, who, through her devotion, brought her husband Satyavan back from death. Another is of Veervati, who mistakenly broke her fast early, leading to her husband's death. She prayed for a year, and the Gods, moved by her devotion, restored his life. 

At moonrise, women perform rituals, using a Chalni (sieve) to view the moon and their husbands, breaking their fast with the first sip of water or bite of food offered by their husbands. 

Karwa Chauth is a celebration of love, faith, and devotion, strengthening marital bonds through prayer and tradition.