Karwa Chauth 2024: India has a rich tradition of festivals and religious beliefs, and Karwa Chauth is one of the important celebrations, especially observed by women in North and West India. On this auspicious day, women pray for the long life, safety, and good health of their husbands. This year, Karwa Chauth is being celebrated on October 20.
According to astrologers, the puja method and timings vary by region. In the capital city of Patna, the puja muhurat is from 5:58 PM to 7:30 PM. The fasting time is from 5:51 AM to 7:29 PM, while the moonrise will occur at 7:29 PM.
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Karwa Chauth Fast Is Quite Strict
The Karwa Chauth festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the waning phase of the Kartik month. This day is also known as 'Karaka Chaturthi,' where 'Karwa' refers to a special clay pot used for offering to the moon. On this day, women worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha, concluding their fast by offering prayers to the moon.
It is noted that the Karwa Chauth fast is quite rigorous, during which women abstain from food and water from sunrise until the moon is sighted at night. This fast symbolizes devotion and holds cultural significance, especially in regions where wheat is cultivated. In many places, clay pots are referred to as 'Karwa,' suggesting that this fast may be linked to the desire for a good harvest. This practice is particularly prevalent in the northwestern states, where wheat is the main crop.
What Will The Fasting Women Do If The Moon Is Not Visible?
During Karwa Chauth, special prayers are offered to the moon. The rituals take place from before sunrise until the moon is sighted in the evening. It is believed that looking at the moon on the fourth day can bring bad luck, so married women first look at their husbands through a sieve while worshipping the moon to avoid this negativity.
As for the items needed for the puja, they include: images of Karwa Mata and Lord Ganesh, a dupatta for Karwa Mata, clothes for Ganesh and Lord Shiva, a clay pot, a lid, a plate, a sieve for viewing the moon, a small wooden platform, items for the sixteen adornments (solah shringar), a kalash, a lamp, cotton wicks, camphor, incense sticks, wheat, homemade food, rice, turmeric, sandalwood, flowers, a betel leaf, raw milk for offering to the moon, yogurt, sugar, honey, ghee, roli, kumkum, a protective thread, sweets, and a pitcher or glass.
Additionally, if for any reason the moon is not visible or if there are clouds in the sky, fasting women can break their fast by focusing on the moon at the local moonrise time according to the schedule.
[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]