Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by all married Hindu women. They observe a fast for the long life of her husband and in the evening, they adorn bridal makeup. Karwa means clay pot and chauth means fourth night after the full moon
Married women fast one whole day without food or water for the long life of their husbands. The ritual signifies extreme love and devotion to the husband, as evidenced by the wife’s willingness to suffer for his well being. The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated mostly by North India. This event is growing bigger with each passing day. In addition to the traditional items such as henna, beauty products and fashionable clothes, the demand of special eateries are also gearing up.
Married women start their fast at night just after the appearance of the moon, within sight of their husbands. They then wait until the next night’s moon to begin the fast breaking ceremonies, without consuming any food or drink. In the evening women dress in their best clothing, and adorn themselves with jewellery and henna. On sighting the moon, they look and offer prayers and worship to it, and then receive their first bite of food and water from their husbands. Thereafter, women consume their special meal prepared for the occasion.
