Karwa Chauth 2024: Know Why Moon Rays Are Not Directly Viewed On Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth will be celebrated today, on October 20, 2024. This festival holds special significance for married women. Let's explore the religious and astrological importance of this auspicious day.

Karw Chauth 2024: Karwa Chauth is associated with the belief that the moon’s rays should not be viewed directly on this day. Instead, there is a tradition of looking at the moon through a sieve. This is because the moon's rays are considered to have a special influence on this day, believed to enhance the bond between husband and wife according to local customs. Since the husband is seen as akin to the moon, after viewing the moon, women traditionally look at their husbands through the same sieve. Another reason for this practice is to protect both the moon and the relationship from any negative influence, ensuring sweetness and harmony in the marriage.

Karwa Chauth Puja Essentials

According to a few astrologers and tarot cards, it is advisable to gather all the items for Karwa Chauth puja one or two days before the fast and place them in the home temple. The puja items include a clay pitcher with a spout and lid, a water pot, Ganga water, a lamp, cotton wicks, incense sticks, sandalwood, kumkum, roli, unbroken rice grains (akshat), flowers, raw milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, turmeric, rice, sweets, powdered sugar, mehendi, mahawar (red dye), sindoor, a comb, bindi, chunari, bangles, toe rings, yellow clay to make the idol of Goddess Gauri, a wooden seat, a sieve, eight puris, halwa, and money for offering (dakshina).

Kawa Chauth Puja Rituals

On Karwa Chauth, women observe a fast throughout the day and worship the moon at night. The puja site is decorated with chalk soil, and an idol of Goddess Parvati is placed for worship. Traditional rituals are performed, and the story of Karwa Chauth is narrated. The fast is broken after sighting the moon, with the husband present for the occasion. The puja begins by lighting lamps.

For the Karwa Chauth puja, a spouted earthen pitcher (karwa) filled with water, along with a lamp on top, and new items for adornment are essential. The puja plate contains roli, rice, incense, lamps, and flowers, along with durva (a type of sacred grass). Clay idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, and Kartikeya are seated on the platform with durva. Alternatively, a sandy or white clay altar is made to place all the deities. Nowadays, silver idols of Shiva and Parvati are also used for home worship. After decorating the plate, an offering (arghya) is made to the moon. The fast is broken by drinking sweet water offered by the husband, followed by a meal with the family.

[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.]