Karva Chauth 2023: The renowned Hindu festival Karva Chauth is observed on November 1 of this year. It is consistently observed in this month, four days subsequent to the full moon, and nine days preceding Diwali. Particularly in Northern India, married women observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise on this day. They offer prayers for their spouses’ safety, health, and longevity throughout this fast. They observe traditions in the preparation of a variety of cuisines, the embellishment of the dishes used to break the fast, the selection of attire, and even the exchange of gifts. A few days prior to Karwa Chauth, women initiate preparations by purchasing henna, jewelry, adornments, and lamps. Local bazaars are adorned with a festive ambiance as vendors exhibit their vibrant Karwa Chauth merchandise.
Karva Chauth History
The term “Karrava” is synonymous with “pot,” while “Chauth” signifies “fourth.” The name Karwas is sometimes applied to large earthen containers used to store wheat; therefore, the fast may have originated in the wheat-eating Northwestern region of India as a prayer for a bountiful harvest. It is said that women began to pray for the safe return of their husbands, who had gone to fight in distant regions, at the onset of this festival. Additionally, it may be observed to signify the conclusion of the harvest season. Irrespective of its origins, the festival provides an opportunity to foster stronger familial bonds.
A multitude of mythological anecdotes pertain to Karva Chauth. One of the most well-known is that of Queen Veervati, the only sibling among seven brothers, who deceived her regarding the moon’s ascent, thereby compelling her to prematurely break her fast. As a result, her spouse, the king, ultimately perished. Notwithstanding her incessant sobbing, a divine entity instructed her to resume the fast. With this action, the life of her spouse was restored.
On the eve of Karva Chauth, married women rise prior to sunrise to partake in’sargi’, a meal predominantly composed of vermicelli, milk, vegetables, and preserved fruits that is typically prepared by their mothers-in-law (if they reside together). Following this, they abstain from food and drink from the time of sunrise until the moon rises. In order to enhance their appearance, fasting women opt to don distinctive Karva Chauth attire, such as the traditional’sari’. Certain regions require women to don the state-sanctioned traditional attire.
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Karva Chauth 2023 FAQs
Which is more significant, Karak or Karva Chauth?
The term “Karak” refers to the earthen vessels utilized for lunar sacrifices; therefore, the two are related to the festival of Karva Chauth, which consists of fasting and prayer.
At Karva Chauth, why do women apply henna to their hands?
On the day of Karwa Chauth, hands and feet are adorned with henna. It is commonly held that a dark mehndi signifies that the husband will lavish his wife with abundance of care and affection.
Who is the deity venerated during Karva Chauth?
Lord Shiva and the divinity Parvati are venerated on this day.
Karva Chauth 2023 Activities
Convey your spouse to you.
Fasting is significantly more tolerable in the company of others. On this day, spouses may choose to converse, view a movie, or participate in any other enjoyable activity that does not require physical exertion.
Increase consciousness
Even if you are not observing this occasion in its traditional sense, it may be worthwhile to engage in a conversation with others about the significance of expressing gratitude towards your spouse. This is beneficial for matrimonial unions across all cultures and may result in the establishment of novel familial customs that honor one another.
Construct a repast for your partner.
Fasting is a challenging practice that depletes one’s energy for engaging in physical activities. In recognition of her exertions, prepare an opulent meal to share with your wife during the fasting period.
5 Karva Chauth celebration facts that will Illumine you
The first Karva Chauth of a woman is significant.
The primary Karva Chauth subsequent to the matrimonial union holds the utmost spiritual importance for the betrothed.
Completely nothing is ingested.
Women are forbidden to consume anything during the day’s fast; not even a single drop of water.
Karwas are reciprocally transferred.
Fresh ‘karwas’—spherical clay containers with a diameter of 7–9 inches and a capacity of approximately one gallon—are purchased, embellished with attractive designs on the exterior, and traded among female companions.
They perform vocal performances at the festival.
As they circulate in a circle with their adorned dishes, the women involved sing “Puja,” a Karwa Chauth hymn.
It dates back to ancient times.
The fast and its corresponding rituals have been observed since at least 500 B.C.
KARVA CHAUTH DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | October 20 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 9 | Thursday |
| 2026 | October 29 | Thursday |
