Why is Karva Chauth Celebrated, its History, Importance & Significance

Karva Chauth, one of India's most beloved festivals, is usually observed in the north. It celebrates love, marriage, and the strong bond between husband and wife. The word "Karva", which means an earthen water pot, and the word Chauth, means fourth. According to the Hindu calendar, Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day following Poornima, the full moon.

Now let us discuss why do we celebrate Karwa Chauth, its history, importance & significance:

Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?

Karva Chauth, also known as Niraja Virat, is a Hindu festival in which married Hindu women fast for their husbands' health and safety. They fast from sunrise to sunset and continue until the sun rises. Women don't eat or drink and pray to Lord Shiva. After making offerings, they break their fast and view the moon. This is according to Hindu mythology one of the most important celestial bodies. The women pray for their husbands' long lives and ask Lord Shiva to protect them against any harm or difficulty. This festival is believed to bring happiness, peace, and joy to a couple's married life.

Karwa Chauth is of vital importance

Karwa Chauth, according to Hindu tradition is an important festival, especially for married women. The day begins with an early morning prayer. It is followed by "Sargi", a meal platter that includes dry fruits, parathas, and curry. Sargi is a nutritious meal that women eat after a bath. It helps them prepare for the next day's fasting. They feel energetic and can go without food or water throughout the day.

Karva Chauth: History

Many ancient legends are associated with Karva Chauth. These stories or tales tell of the sacrifices women made for their husbands, and how their love is pure. One legend says that Veervati was a beautiful woman. She was the mother of seven children and married a handsome king. She observed a fast during her first year of marriage.

As night approached, she felt uneasy due to extreme thirst and hunger. She refused to eat or drink. She was too painful to watch and her brothers couldn't bear it any longer so they decided to do something. Veervati was tricked by the brothers to believe that the moon had risen. They believed her and she broke her fast. She received bad news: her husband had died.

Veervati was devastated and ran towards her husband's home. She is stopped by Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati, and her brothers, who explain how they tricked her. Maa Parvati cuts off Veervati's finger and gives her a few drops from her holy blood. She tells Veervati to be cautious during her next fasts. Veervati sprinkles holy blood on her husband's corpse, and he miraculously comes back to life. Veervati was reunited with her husband because of her love, sacrifice, devotion, and immense love.

Karwa Chauth: Significance

Women pray for happiness and prosperity in their married lives, apart from keeping fasts. They perform puja for the husbands later in the evening before the moon sighting. The women then try to see the moon using a sieve, and then they can catch glimpses of their husbands using the same sieve. A sieve is believed to filter all negative emotions.

After this, the women finish their fast by eating something. It has been popularized by numerous TV and movie shows. Many men are now keeping fasts for their wives in recent years. This festival is a celebration of love, compassion, and understanding.