Festival of Love – Karwachauth
Karwachauth is not only a celebration of love, romance and relationships but it is also yet another example of a tradition being passed down from centuries, testimony to our oldest and living Sanatan civilization.
My fondest memories of Karwachauth are that of my beautiful mother bedecked in her finest and the sumptuous meal that would follow after she had offered arghya to the Moon.
Karwachauth is a Hindu festival which celebrates the love between husband and wife, strengthens familial relationships, increases bhaav and fosters sisterhood. Karva Chauth is celebrated on the fourth day (-chauth) of the waning moon (the period after Sharad Poornima) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Mother in laws prepare sargi or the meal to be eaten before sunrise and the start of the fast. Women who observe the fast seek the blessings of their elders and especially their mother in laws. Baya or gifts are given by the daughter in laws to their mother in laws on this occasion.
Many women come together in Temples to listen to the Vrat Katha and do what is called ‘thali pherna’.
Decorated thali with diya, sweets and fruits are moved around in the circle made by the women as songs remembering Queen Veeravati are sung. Each woman taking utmost care of the other’s thali as they pass it around.
These gatherings also give women a chance to admire each other’s outfits and jewellery. My Dogri Nath is always a conversation starter.
Historical and Pauraanik links to Karwachauth
Sarva-mangal-maangalye, Shive Sarvaarth-saadhike
Sharanye-triyambake Gauri, Naaraayani Namo-stute
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके |
शरण्येत्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणी नमोsस्तुते ||
Though popular culture especially Indian TV & Cinema have made Karwachauth. mainstream, the colourful ritual besides giving women an opportunity to do shringaar is an ancient tradition with which multiple stories are associated.
Karwachauth is linked to pre-Mahabharata times. Draupadi is said to have sought Bhagwan Krishna’s counsel when Pandavas were going through turbulent times. Bhagwan Krishna advises Draupadi to observe the Karwachauth fast just as Devi Parvati had observed it for Bhagwan Shiva.
There is also the story of the beautiful Queen Veeravati, the only sister of seven brothers who undertakes penance and worship for the life and well-being of her husband.
Then there is the story of Karva who fights with Yama for her husband’s life.
Karwachauth is not only a celebration of love, romance and relationships but it is also yet another example of a tradition being passed down from centuries, testimony to our oldest and living Sanatan civilization.
