Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India.
Namaste!
Welcome to the world of spiritually inclined and wonderful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, I am going to share significance of Karwa Chauth with you.
Introduction
Karwa Chauth is Hindi word made up of two words. KARWA means an earthen pot with a sprout and CHAUTH means fourth day.
Moreover married women observe Nirjala Vrat (fast without food and water) from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. They observe the fast with great devotion and break it after they see the moon.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
And karwa Chauth is a day of prayers, rituals and celebrations. Also it is a day to strengthen the bond between husbands and wives. Traditionally speaking, Karwa Chauth has been symbolised as a epitome of love and bonding of a couple.
Date of Karwa Chauth
As per Hindu Panchang Karwa Chauth falls on fourth day (chaturthi) of Krishna Paksha of Kartik mas.
This year it will be celebrated on 20 October 2024. And the chaturthi tithi will start from 6:46 AM on 20 October 2024, will end at 04:40 AM on 21 October 2024.
Apparently Karwa Chauth puja time has been calculated from 05:46 PM to 07:09 PM on 20 October 2024. While the Moon rise time on Karva Chauth has been estimated at 07:54 PM on 20 October 2024.
Modernity’s Impact on Karwa Chauth Celebrations
Karwa Chauth is one of the prominent festivals of Hindus. Particularly all the Hindu women despite of different cultures and ethnicities do celebrate this festival with grand fanfare.
Contemporary times have changed its celebrations and customs a bit but without affecting the essence of the festivity.
Generally women participate in the special Karwa Chauth puja and rituals with great devotion and enthusiasm. Lets read about the new ‘in’ things about Karwa Chauth in modern times:
a) Puja and Rituals
Hence rituals involves lighting diya, reciting prayers, listening katha and making offerings (bayna) to mother in law. In addition to it, many women sit in a circular form and recite the prayers and story of Karwa Chauth happily. Infact these women are from same family like from one big joint family.
Since my childhood. I have seen my mother performing this puja with my grandmother and my other aunts of family in the veranda of our house. But now we have more of nuclear families in our urban and sub urban areas.
With the advent of new technology and changes in modern times people have moved to societies, flats and individual houses. Therefore, now the reciting of prayers and the katha and singing hymns of Karwa Chauth is done more with neighbours.
Due to space management people are moving to banquets and clubs to organise big Karwa Chauth puja at bigger spaces with family, friends and other peer groups.
b) Empowerment
Subsequently, Karwa Chauth traditionally symbolizes a wife’s devotion to her husband. Although modern interpretations has shifted focus on love, respect and the strength of relationships.Thus promoting empowerment and equality amongst couple and families.
Moreover, both husband and wife observes fast for each other to grow their bond and love with equal efforts.
c) Fashion and Makeup
Nevertheless women are fond of fashion and makeup genetically. And Karwa Chauth is a big reason to put more emphasis on elaborate makeup and attire. Earlier women used to dress in traditional attire, apply henna on their hands and perform puja rituals with other married women. When I was newly married, my first Karwa Chauth was glittery and full of glee with prominent use of red colour in decorations and outfits.
Modern times have shifted 16 shringaars to donning designer outfits, intricate mehndi designs and even professional makeup for the occasion.
d) Social Media and Technology
The advent of social media and technology has made it easier to communicate from far off distances. Moreover families and couples are connected through social media even when they are physically apart. Many women break their fasts after seeing the moon through video calls, allowing them to participate in the ritual despite distances.
e) Commercialised Celebration
Nothing is free in this world. This saying stands true in moden times. Markets whether online or offline are floodded with the commercialised Karwa Chauth special gifts like thali and channi. Personlised gifts like pendants, bangles, t-shirts and other jewellery items with initials and hashtag of couples are in these days.
Indeed tradition of exchanging gifts (between couples, daughter in laws and mother in law) has expanded with the exchange of jewelry, clothing and other modern items like one year memebership of gym, coupons at yoga retreat etc.
This has become a more commercialized aspect of the celebration. Some women in relation like Saas (mother-in-law) and Bahu (daughter in law) exchange gifts with each other as well.
f) Fasting and Feasting
While traditional Karwa Chauth involves a day-long fast ends with traditional rajsik food items like thaali filled with poori, kachori etc traditional sweets and heavy cuisines. After breaking the fast, there’s often a celebration where women eat a special meal.
Now a days some women opt for healthier fasting options and incorporate fruits and liquids to maintain their energy levels.
g) Changing Gender Roles
No more women only please. Yes, you got it right. Modern husbands are not lagging behind in terms of equal love and prayers. They are all geared up to fast along with their better half.
Apparently they are also actively participating in the celebrations, rituals and decorations of the festival.
Conclusion
In brief Karwa Chauth is a traditional and meaningful festival. it’s essence lies in tue love, respect and bond between the couple with blessings of elders in the family. Modern changes reflect the evolving nature of Karwa Chauth in contemporary society. Contemporary twist continues to be a significant and cherished festival according to the needs and values of the modern era.
Have a blessed time ahead.
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