In Hindu Sanatan Dharma, the festival of Karwa Chauth holds significant importance for married women. On this day, women adorn themselves, perform rituals, and observe a fast for the long life of their husbands. They observe this fast as a part of their commitment to the vow of loyalty to their husbands. This fast is observed on the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik, known as Karak Chaturthi Vrat. The observance of Karwa Chauth varies slightly by region but carries similar beliefs across all regions.
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Importance of Sargi in Karwa Chauth
Sargi is a vital part of the Karwa Chauth fast. The fast begins with consuming Sargi early in the morning, after which the women observe a day-long fast without water. The tradition of Sargi is considered essential, and it is customary for mothers-in-law to give it to their daughters-in-law. In the absence of the mother-in-law, any elder woman in the family may give Sargi. This festival is widely celebrated in northern parts of India.
How to Observe the Karwa Chauth Vrat
On the day of Karwa Chauth, women should bathe before sunrise. The fast begins with consuming Sargi, and from that point on, it is customary to observe a waterless fast. Fasting women listen to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha from their mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, or other elder women. While listening to the story, they keep a small pot filled with water and a clay vessel filled with rice, wheat, and vermilion beside them. Additionally, they prepare 13 clay pots, marking them with red pigment for the ritual. After listening to the Katha, women exchange the pots seven times. After completing this ritual, they set aside the water pot and 13 grains of wheat to offer Arghya (sacred water offering) to the moon at night. Once the moon appears, they offer Arghya and perform prayers for their husbands’ well-being, then break their fast by looking at the moon and their husband through a sieve.
Things to Avoid on Karwa Chauth
During Karwa Chauth, women focus on adorning themselves, performing the rituals, and worshipping. They offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya. Only married women can observe this fast; widows and unmarried girls should not participate in it.
Items Required for Karwa Chauth Puja
For performing the Karwa Chauth Puja, women need specific items, including a clay or copper pot with a lid, betel leaves, a small straw broom, a water pot, rice, sandalwood, fruits, yellow clay, flowers, turmeric, ghee, raw milk, yogurt, a wooden platform, sugar, honey, sacred thread (mouli), red powder (roli), sweets, a sieve, and other ritual items.
Aarti for Karwa Chauth
“Om Jai Karwa Maiya, Mata Jai Karwa Maiya.
Jo Vrat Kare Tumhara, Paar Karo Naiya.
Om Jai Karwa Maiya.
Sab Jag Ki Ho Mata, Tum Ho Rudrani,
Yash Tumhara Gaavat, Jag Ke Sab Praani.
Om Jai Karwa Maiya, Mata Jai Karwa Maiya.
Kartik Krishna Chaturthi, Jo Naari Vrat Karti,
Deerghayu Pati Hove, Dukh Saare Harti.
Om Jai Karwa Maiya, Mata Jai Karwa Maiya.
Hoye Suhagin Naari, Sukh Sampatti Paave,
Ganpati Ji Bade Dayalu, Vighn Sabhi Naashe.
Om Jai Karwa Maiya, Mata Jai Karwa Maiya.
Karwa Maiya Ki Aarti, Vrat Kar Jo Gaave,
Vrat Ho Jata Puran, Sab Vidhi Sukh Paave.
Om Jai Karwa Maiya, Mata Jai Karwa Maiya.”
This is the aarti for Karwa Maiya, and it is sung by women observing the fast for blessings and prosperity.