Karva Chauth holds immense significance as a celebrated festival in the northern regions of India. It is a day when married women observe a rigorous fast, offering prayers and seeking the long life and well-being of their husbands. On this day, women abstain from consuming any food or drink until they perform the ritual of presenting Arghya to the Moon using a special earthen pot known as Karva. This fast is widely recognized as one of the most challenging among Hindu traditions.
Karwa Chauth: A Brief History
The observance of Karwa Chauth involves fervent prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu folklore, there's a legendary tale that dates back to the time of a queen named Veeravati. She had ventured to visit her brothers on the day of Karva Chauth and as the hours passed, began feeling increasingly weak, anxiously awaiting the sight of the Moon, which would allow her to break her fast. Concerned for her well-being, her brothers attempted to deceive her into ending her fast by showing her a Moon-like object in the sky. Believing this, Veeravati broke her fast, only to receive the heartbreaking news of her husband's demise.
Upon learning this, Veeravati made a solemn commitment to observe a fast each month with unwavering dedication. She earnestly prayed to the deities, eventually reuniting with her spouse.
Karwa Chauth 2023: Unveiling the Significance of Karwa Chauth Sargi
For women across the country who are observing the fast, Sargi represents a crucial ritual on the day of Karva Chauth. Sargi is the pre-dawn meal consumed before beginning the fast, and married women receive beautifully adorned baskets filled with Sargi from their mother-in-law. It is considered a gesture of luck and love when the mother-in-law prepares the Sargi thali and presents it to her daughter-in-law. On the day of the fast, women who observe the Karva Chauth fast are given a Sargi thali before breaking their fast.
Karwa Chauth 2023: The Essentials in a Sargi Thali
The Sargi thali consists of nourishing foods designed to help women endure the challenges of the fast. Alongside the meal, it also contains tokens of affection and care, such as sindoor (vermilion) and sarees. Several items are deemed essential in a Sargi thali, including:
Fresh Fruits: Fresh fruits are vital as they provide hydration during the day-long nirjala (without water) Karva Chauth vrat. Fruits with high water content, like pomegranates and citrus fruits, assist in maintaining hydration levels.
Dry Fruits: Dry fruits are a staple during festive occasions, known for their energy-boosting properties. Cashews, almonds, raisins, and pistachios are typically found in the thali.
Cooked Food: Simple, nourishing dishes are crucial for sustaining energy levels throughout the day. The Sargi thali typically includes items such as mathris, a couple of rotis, sabji (vegetable curry), or halwa. These offerings keep fasting women full without causing discomfort.
Sweets: Commencing the fast with a delectable sweet treat provides the necessary energy and mental clarity to endure the day. Sweets like Sevvainyaan (vermicelli), kheer, and other sweet delicacies are often included in the Sargi thali as a customary practice.