In the evening, Gauri and Ganesha are worshipped, and the Karva Chauth story is narrated.
The auspicious time for the Karva Chauth fast this year starts on Tuesday.
Karva Chauth is a significant fasting ritual in Hinduism, primarily observed by married women. This sacred tradition entails abstaining from both food and water from sunrise until the evening when they break their fast after worshipping the moon. The fast is to ensure the longevity and well-being of their husbands. According to Atharvaveda, Acharya Devanand ji of Satna Chitrakoot, the Karva Chauth fast commences with the mother-in-law giving sargi to the woman observing the fast.
In the morning, the person fasting bathes, meditates, and takes a solemn vow for the day. Throughout the day, they refrain from consuming any water while gathering all the necessary items for the puja. An essential aspect of the ritual involves crafting a Ganesh idol from cow dung or soil and invoking Mother Gauri. Complete wedding makeup is offered to these deities, and wheat is placed in the Karva, with sugar candy in its lid. A Swastika is drawn on the Karva using Roli, a powder made from a rice mixture.
In the evening, devotees worship Gauri and Ganesha, and the Karva Chauth story is narrated. The culmination of the day arrives when, at night, the moon is observed, blessings are sought from the husband, and the fast is finally broken.
To make the Karva Chauth celebration enjoyable and to break the fast, a variety of dishes can be prepared, including puri, halwa, churma, dal, kadhi, kheer, and various vegetables, depending on individual preferences. It’s important to note that garlic and onion should be avoided in these preparations. Interestingly, there are no specific dietary restrictions during Karva Chauth, allowing for flexibility in food choices. A total of 56 types of offerings can be made during this fast, adding to the richness and variety of the celebration.
The auspicious time for observing the Karva Chauth fast this year is from 9:30 PM on Tuesday, October 31, starting on the Chaturthi date of Kartik Krishna Paksha. The fast concludes on November 1 at 9:19 p.m. The Karva Chauth worship can be performed on November 1 between 5:44 PM and 7:02 PM. The moon is expected to rise on that day at 8:26 AM, marking the climax of this heartfelt and spiritually significant observance.
