Karva Chauth is a one-day festival celebrated by married women or to be brides In India. In this fast, no food or water is consumed for the large part of the day. Women pray for the welfare and long life of their husbands today and if you are a new bride or celebrating this festival alone in the house without any guidance then here are something things about the festival that you must know along with your guide to step by step Puja process.
The Rituals:
This festival is mainly followed in the northern parts of the country. Women eat food early in the morning, before sunrise. They are not supposed to eat or drink water during the day. In the evening the ladies listen to the Karva Chauth Katha. The fast is over after the moonrise. The mother-in-law must prepare the ‘Sargi’ and give it to her Daughter In Law. 'Sargi' referred to a vermicelli pudding. 'Sargi' can also contain variety of food items like fruits, sweets, milk, seviyaan, puri and kachoris. Onions and Garlic should not be used in the ingredients.
Karva Chauth Vrat Vidhi( Early Morning):
Always maintain a positive, calm and happy frame of mind during the day of Karva Chauth. It will be get easy to complete the tough fast successfully. Follow These Tips In The Morning:
#1. On the day of Karva Chauth wake up 2-3 hours before sunrise(around 3.30 to 4). Have 'Sargi' before the sunrise. Drink lots of water. The fasting phase begins with sunrise.
#2. Dress yourself in traditional wear, Apply cosmetics like Henna, Sindoor, Bindi which represents your marital status.
Karva Chauth Vrat Vidhi(Afternoon):
#1. Around 4 p.m. in the afternoon, cordon a small square area next to a vertical wall inside or outside your house. In the middle of area make a Swastik mark with Turmeric.
#2. Against the Vertical wall, place the Calendar of Karva Chauth. It contains representations of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Kartik, and Lord Ganesha. This is the image which is worshiped during the following ritual.
#3. In a plate, place the Puja items like Roli (red chandan), mouli (sacred thread), haldi powder (turmeric powder), a glass of clean water or a glass of milk, a clean betel leaf and a betel nut.
#4. Place the karva in the center of the Swastik mark that you had made and fill it with water or milk. In addition, you can also insert currency coins made of metals into the Karwa.
#5. Now close the top of the Karva with its cover and over the cover place grains of wheat and sugar. Instead of sugar you can also place 14 Maal-puas on it.
#6. Apply the roli to the Karva and tie the Mouli aroud the neck.
#7. If you are doing this Puja alone, then make another Karva. Place this second Karva next to the image of Karva Chauth. This Karva belongs to Goddess Parvati.
#8. Dip the Mango leaves into the glass of water/milk and use it to sprinkle some of the liquid onto the image of Karva Chauth.
#9. Now apply rouli (i.e. red chandan) to the images of Gods on the Karva Chauth calendar. Sprinkle some Akshat and Haldi on the Image.
#10. The next step is to exchange your Karva with the Karva of the woman seated next to you. As you pass your karva to another woman, say these words – “Karva le karva le sada suhaagan karva le. Karva le karva le saat bhai ki behen karva le. Karva le karva le saat putron ki maa karva le.”
#11. The next step is to do a recitation of the story of Karva Chauth, also known as ‘Karva Chauth Katha’. Ideally the oldest woman in the group should recite this story. Note that some sources describe only one story while some others describe multiple stories one after another.
#12. While listening to the story, you should hold some raw rice grains in your fists.
#13. When the story-telling session is completed, keep both the karvas aside and donate them to a near-by temple.
Karva Chauth Vrat Vidhi(Night):
#1. In evening, you can dresse up like a new bride in heavy clothes
#2. Organize the Pooja Samigri (Worship for the moon). You will need A small pot of clean water.
A plate with fruits, sweets, salted food items, money, a small bowl of ‘akshat’ (raw rice grains), rouli (red chandan), haldi (turmeric) and a small diya. A circular sieve.
#3. Once the moon rises in the sky, light the diya on plate and note that your husband should accompany you during this ritual.
#4. Worship the Moon God by making symbolic offerings.
#5. Now through the circular sieve look at the Moon and then at your husband.
#6, Now your husband break your fast by first offering you some of the water from the pot.
The rituals are now complete and you can eat food. Hope this helps you. Happy Fasting!!
