Karwa Chauth is a special one day festive celebrated by the married Hindu women. This festival is observed mostly in the northern part of India.
In the Karwa Chauth Vrat the married women keep a day long fast, starting from the sunrise of the day till the moon rise to seek blessings and long life for their husbands. This festival is particularly observed on the fourth day of the month of Kartika.
KarwaChauth has been over glamorized by the Bollywood and TV serials but in reality it is a pretty simple festive that might have different reason for its origin. According to the Hindu religious scriptures Karwa refers to a small pitcher and the festival involves donating the karwa as a charity for the well-being of the whole family.
So, while it is commonly known that Karwa Chauth is observed by a married woman for the well-being and long life of her husband, in reality the vrat can be observed for sons, grandsons and also for the everlasting prosperity of the family as a whole.
Origin of Karwa Chauth
Like many other age old Hindu customs, the exact history of Karwa Chauth is not clearly known. However, as the time of the festival coincides with the time of wheat-sowing which is one of the major corps in the northern parts of India, where the festive is mostly observed, the festival might have originated as offering prayers to the gods for a good harvest.
On the other hand, another theory depicts that it was a custom in ancient times to undertake long distance journeys during the months of October-November And hence in order to ensure the safety and well-being of their husbands, wives used to perform certain rituals before they started their journey and these rituals have finally taken the form of KarwaChauth.
At present, the festival is celebrated as a get-together of family and friends and it also celebrates the relationship of a married couple.
On Karwa Chauth Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeyaare worshipped. Goddess Parvati is worshipped in the form of Chauth Mata on this very day as she is considered as the Akhand Saubhagyavati. Apart from Devi Parvati, Goddess Gaura is also worshipped on this day.
The preparation of Karwa Chauth
Though Karwa Chauth is a one day festive, usually the preparations of the festival starts more than a week ago. Women shopping new clothes, jewelries and the items of puja much before the day of the festive can be observed in the markets. The particular day of Karwa Chauth is celebrated through get-together, fasting and puja.
The early morning rituals
The women planning to observe the KarwaChauth fast wake up much earlier before the sun rises on the day of Karwa Chauth. They prepare their foods and complete having their meals before the first light of the sun comes out. They also take their bath early in the morning. The next ritual followed is the Sankalp of the fast which is considered as one of the most important parts of the total vrat.
Sankalp
After taking bath, women should take the pledge or Sankalp of fasting the whole day for wellbeing and prosperity of their husband and family. During the sankalp taking it is recited that the fasting will be without food or water and will be over only after sighting the moon in the evening. Some particular mantras are recited while taking the pledge.
The day
After the Sankalp has been taken in the morning, the day is usually passed by women in preparation for the puja in the evening and also in dressing up for the evening. Many prefer to spend the day along with other women observing the fast.
The Karwa Chauth Puja
The ideal time for the Karwa Chauth Puja is during the evening. Usually there is some particular time in the evening when performing the puja is considered as most auspicious. The puja is usually performed in a particular house in the locality or amongst the relatives and all the women observing the vrat attend the puja together. As already mentioned, Goddess Parvati is primarily praised during the puja to seek her blessings for wellbeing and prosperity.
The puja is performed with a Chauth Mata (Devi Parvati) image or idol and mantras of Parvati puja are recited. After the puja the story of karwa chauth is recited which explains the mahatva of the Karwa Chauth Vrat. During the puja the Karwa or the pitcher is filled either with water or milk along with coins or gems and donated to the Brahmin reciting the Karwa Chauth Story or some other eligible women. A particular mantra is also recited while donating the Karwa.
Breaking the Karwa Chauth fast
After the puja is over and the Karwa has been donated to an eligible lady, women observing the fast wait for the first look of the moon. Finally they worship the Moon god and break their fast. There are also other customs that are followed in different families and in different parts of North India for breaking the fast but it always follows only after worshipping the moon god.
This year the Karwa Chauth Tithi has fallen on 19th of October, Wednesday. Women planning to observe the vrat are advised to check their local calendar to find the best time for the Karwa Chauth Puja according to their cities.
Having provided all the information that you might need for Karwa Chauth this year, let us now move to some great gifting ideas for husbands. Karwa Chauth is a special day in the life of every woman observing the vrat and a nice gift from her husband on this particular day can actually uplift her mood and make the day for her. To help the husbands we have collected the best gift ideas here,
A beautiful saree for your beloved
Well, we know we are being traditional here, but sarees can always make one of the best gift options in a traditional occasion like KarwaChauth. A beautiful saree in the color of her choice along with nice adornments that she prefers can be a good gift for your wife this karwa chauth. You can easily pick a beautiful and gorgeous saree in red, like the one shown above to gift your beloved wife this KarwaChauth.
Gold Plated Bangles
Every women love jewelries and if the jewelry is sleek and beautiful she is sure to prefer it over many other gifts. This type of gold plated sleek bangles with stone and mina work is sure to be preferred by any modern and stylist lady. The other best thing about these gold plated bangles is that they make the perfect accessory for parties. So, pick this pair of bangles for her this Karwa Chauth and you are sure to impress your wife.
Exquisite bracelets
Do you prefer to amaze your wife with special gifts? Then check out this exquisite Jewel studded Zirconia bracelet for this Karva Chauth. This exquisite bracelet studded with heart shaped dual color stones can look absolutely gorgeous on the hands of your wife. Get this beautiful bracelet and make this Karwa Chauth really special for her.
Crystal pendant
If your wife do not prefer putting on heavy jewelries and she likes more to dress in western wears, this type of sleek crystal pendant that not only looks beautiful but also exudates class can be a perfect gift for her. This flower shaped pendant with unique heart shaped and colorful petals can always make the best gift for the women with the right taste.
Gold and diamond finger ring
There are hardly any women in the world who will not love to have a beautiful gold and diamond ring as her Karwa Chauth present. So, if budget is not a constraint for the gift, then you can always opt for this type of unique gold and diamond rings that is sure to make her happy and remember the day specially.
Salwar-Suit
A gorgeous Anarkali Salwar suit can make your best pick as the Karwa Chauth gift if your wife prefers ethnic wear while attending occasions and parties. There are several variations in salwar-suits and picking the gorgeous anarkali suits with intricate work as the one in the picture above can always make the right choice.
Ladies purse
Ladies purse is an accessory that your wife uses regularly and is sure to love when received as a special gift from you on the special occasion of KarwaChauth. However, never make the mistake of picking a low quality product for her. Pick a branded hand purse like the ones from Furla Dolce range and you will actually make her day special with your gift.
Ladies wrist watch
Many women nurture a special knack for wrist watches and they always prefer to make new and special additions to their collection. If your wife loves watches gift her this amazing analog display quartz two tone watch from Bulova women’s collection on this Karwa Chauth and she is sure to dazzle with happiness.
