Karwa Chauth today: Significance and Puja Vidhi

Karwa Chauth is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India with great fervour and devotion. This festival holds profound significance in Hindu culture, symbolising the deep bond between husband and wife. The day is marked by fasting and special rituals, which are observed with utmost dedication. Let's delve into the significance and the customary puja vidhi (rituals) of Karwa Chauth.

Significance of Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is celebrated primarily by women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The significance of this festival can be understood through the following aspects:

1. Expressing Love and Devotion

Karwa Chauth is a day when married women express their unwavering love and devotion to their husbands. By fasting from sunrise to moonrise, women pray for their spouse's long life and prosperity. This ritual is a beautiful testament to the bond of love and trust in a marital relationship.

2. Strengthening the Bond

The fast observed on Karwa Chauth is more than just a ritual; it is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between husband and wife. By enduring the day-long fast and participating in the rituals, women reaffirm their commitment to their life partner.

3. Seeking Blessings

The festival is also an occasion for women to seek the blessings of the Almighty for their family's well-being. They believe that their prayers and penance on this day are a way to secure blessings for the whole family.
Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

The Karwa Chauth puja involves several steps and rituals, each of which holds significance. Here's a basic puja vidhi that is commonly followed:

1. Sargi

• The day begins with Sargi, a pre-dawn meal that is specially prepared by the mother-in-law. This meal usually includes a variety of dishes and sweets.
• The daughter-in-law consumes this meal before sunrise to prepare herself for the day-long fast.

2. Baya

• Women exchange 'Baya' with their mothers, which consists of gifts, traditional items, bangles, mehndi (henna), cosmetics, and jewellery.
• The exchange of Baya signifies love and good wishes for the well-being of married life.

3. Puja Thali

• In the evening, women gather together to perform the Karwa Chauth puja. Where they recite the Karwa Chauth katha.
• The puja thali (plate) typically includes a Karwa (an earthen pot), a diya (lamp), sweets, fruits, and water. These items are essential for the rituals.

4. Worship of the Moon

• After sunset, women wait for the moonrise as it holds a special place in Karwa Chauth rituals.
• When the moon is visible, they offer water to the moon and break their fast after seeing the moon through a sieve.
• The husband offers water and the first morsel of food to his wife, symbolising his love and care.

5. Aarti

• The evening concludes with an aarti (a ritual of singing devotional songs and waving a lamp).
• This aarti is performed for the long life and well-being of the husband.

Karwa Chauth is a day of profound spiritual significance and an expression of love and devotion. It celebrates the enduring strength of the marital bond and the unwavering commitment of married couples. The rituals, including fasting, prayers, and the puja vidhi, serve as a beautiful reminder of the sacred vows of matrimony, making it a cherished festival for married couples across India.

(Disclaimer: This information has been collected from various mediums like astrologers, almanacs, beliefs or religious scriptures and has been presented to you. Please consult experts while making related decisions. TopIndianNews does not hold accountability for this information.)