In India, a marriage is considered to be a bond of a lifetime. This marital bond is considered very sacred. It is believed that a pati-vrat woman has the power to confront, Lord Yama, the God of Death. It is this belief, which is celebrated with reverence as 'Karva Chauth'. On this day, women observe fasts for the longevity, prosperity and welfare of their husbands.
Origin and Significance
Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day of the Kartik month every year, about nine days before Diwali. The Hindus of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Nepal celebrate Karva Chauth.
As per a legend in the Mahabharata, once Arjun had gone for worship to the Nilgiri Hills. Draupadi was struck with fear believing that she was alone in the forest with no one to protect her. She invoked Lord Krishna who appeared before her. On hearing her predicament Lord Krishna cited an example of Goddess Parvati. Parvati in a similar situation asked Lord Shiva's help. Lord Shiva explained to her that to ward off such apprehensions, a woman could observe a fast on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi as a remedy.
Lord Krishna, further told Draupadi the story of a Brahmin woman who had seven sons and a daughter who had undertaken the fast on Karva Chauth day. Before moonrise, she felt hungry and her brothers asked her to break her fast. She refused. Her brothers, then reflected a mirror through the leaves of a Pipal tree. The sister mistook it for moonrise and had her food. It so happened, that her husband died soon after. She started crying and hearing her crying Indrani, Indra's sister who happened to pass that way enquired as to what happened. The sister narrated her story and Indrani advised her to observe the Karva Chauth fast for a year with strict rituals. Observing this fast, the sister brought her husband back to life. Narrating this story Lord Krishna, advised Draupadi to undertake this fast and also assured her of the victory of the Pandavas.
We also have the story of the Satyavan and Savitri. Savitri with her unparalleled love for her husband averted his untimely death. When Lord Yama, came to procure Satyavan's soul, Savitri begged him to grant him life. When he refused, she stopped eating and drinking and Yamraj finally relented. He granted her, her husband's life.
To this day, Karva Chauth is celebrated with great faith and belief.
Rituals and Festivities
On this day the women get up before sunrise. They worship Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya and the moon. The blessings of the Gods are invoked for longevity and prosperity of their husbands and children. Mothers-in-law give their daughters-in-law sumptuous food called 'Sargi' to eat before sunrise, as the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshipping the moon at night. It is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or water. The first Karva Chauth of a girl is memorable for her. Her parents send her a sari along with other gifts and eatables. This gift pack is known as the 'baya', which should reach the girl's house before evening.
The puja hall is decorated and a picture or idol of Goddess Parvati is placed on a decorated patta (low table). In some households, 'Gaur Mata' is made of cowdung in the form of a human figure. Rice, black gram pulse, and auspicious articles along with fruit are kept on a copper or earthen plate.
A little before moonrise the women observing the fast, deck up in red or pink clothes and finery. Everyone gathers in the puja room where the baya is placed along with a decorated 'karva' or pitcher filled with water. An older woman recites slokas and narrates the story. All the women pray for the welfare of their husbands and family and gather on the terrace for a glimpse of the moon. On seeing the moon they take the blessings of elders and their husband. They then break the fast by partaking the delicacies prepared by them.
This is one Indian festival, which has great significance and also brings the family together.
