Karwa Chauth 2024 : Date, Significance & Traditions

Karwa Chauth is a beautiful Indian festival that holds deep cultural and emotional significance, especially for married women. It is traditionally celebrated in the states of Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. On this day, women observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the well-being and longevity of their husbands or soon-to-be partners.

If you are someone celebrating Karwa Chauth 2024 for the first time or are just curious to learn about this festival, then this guide is your go-to for understanding the traditions, rituals, and overall vibe of this special day.

When is Karwa Chauth 2024?

Karwa Chauth falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartika, which typically falls in the month of October or November. This year, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 20, 2024. Here are important events and timings for the day:

Karwa Chauth 2024 Events	Date & Timings
Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat	05:46 PM to 07:02 PM
Moonrise timings on Karwa Chauth	Around 07:54 PM
Chaturthi Tithi Begins	06:46 AM on October 20, 2024
Chaturthi Tithi Ends	04:16 AM on October 21, 2024

Legends Associated with Karwa Chauth

There are certain tales related to the beginning of the Karwa Chauth festival. Here are some common stories:

• Story of Queen Veeravati and Her Brothers 

There once lived a beautiful queen named Veeravati who had seven loving brothers. After marriage, she celebrated her first Karwa Chauth at her parents’ house. She observed a strict fast right from sunrise however, by the evening she was badly struggling with thirst and hunger. As Veeravati desperately waited for the moonrise, her brothers were really sad seeing their sister in such distress. Hence, to relieve her from this feeling, they thought of a plan.

They set up a mirror in a pipal tree, the reflection of which made it appear as if the moon had risen. Veeravati mistook this perception of the moon and broke her fast. As soon as she took the first bite of food she sneezed. Hereafter, she found a hair in her morsel of food and after that, she received the news of her husband’s death. 

She inconsolably cried the whole night until Maa Shakti appeared in front of her and asked her the reason behind the distress. Listening to this, the goddess revealed how Veeravati was tricked by her brothers and suggested she repeat the Karva Chauth fast with complete faith and devotion. Veeravati followed her instructions and repeated the fast as a result of which her husband was restored to life.

• Tale of Karva

Karva, a simple, young woman was highly devoted to her husband. Her dedication and love towards him instilled her with spiritual power. According to a legend, once while taking a bath in the river, Karva’s husband was attacked by a crocodile who caught him in his grip. Seeing this, Karva bravely bound the crocodile using a yarn and requested Yama, (the god of death) to send him to hell. But Yama denied her request in response to which Karva threatened to curse Yama and punish him. Yama, scared of getting cursed by a pativrata (dedicated) wife, ultimately sent the crocodile to hell and blessed his husband with a long life.

Both these legends explain the power of faith and devotion that the festival of Karva Chauth is all about. 

The Significance Behind the Fast

The term Karwa Chauth is made up of two words – Karwa which refers to an earthen pot, and Chauth means the fourth day (referring to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day of the Krishna paksha). 

The custom of fasting usually dates back to ancient times when women would pray for the safety of their husbands, especially in times of war or long journeys. More so, the Karva Chauth festival was also seen as an opportunity for newlywed women to bond and befriend other females in the family or community through the festive celebrations. 

Preparing for Karwa Chauth

The preparations for Karwa Chauth start days in advance. 

Women shop for Karwa, outfits, jewelry, and cosmetics (shringar) and apply mehendi (henna) to look their best for the occasion.

In many parts of the country, Sargi – a pre-dawn meal is prepared and sent by the fasting woman’s mother-in-law. It usually includes fruits, sweets, nuts, and some ornaments to ensure that women have enough energy to get through the day.

Women wake up before sunrise, freshen up, and have their Sargi before the fast begins. Traditionally, after this meal, no food or water is consumed until the moon is sighted in the evening.

On the day of Karwa Chauth women adorn themselves in beautiful attire, usually in red, maroon, or other bright shades. What adds to their overall look are the accessories like bangles, bindis, and jewelry that enhance their beauty.

Also Read : Dussehra | The Victory of Good Over Evil – Traditions, Celebrations, and Significance

The Evening Rituals

The rituals of Karwa Chauth really come alive in the evening when the entire community of women comes together to pray. Here’s a glimpse of what goes into the celebrations:

1. Karwa Chauth Puja: Women gather in groups, often in someone’s home or at a temple, to perform the Karwa Chauth puja. They sit in a circle, passing around the thali (a decorative plate with offerings) while listening to the Karwa Chauth Katha (story). This story narrates the legendary tales of devotion and sacrifice associated with the festival.

2. Karwa Chauth Thali: The thali used during the puja is beautifully decorated with diya (lamp), kumkum (red vermilion), rice, water, and sweets. Every item has its own significance. For example, the Diya represents life and prosperity, while the kumkum symbolizes the marital bond.

3. Waiting for the Moonrise: After the puja, the most awaited moment of Karwa Chauth begins—the wait for the moon! Families often come together during this time, and there’s an air of excitement as everyone looks out for the moonrise. It’s quite common to see women checking their phones or asking around about the expected time of the moonrise.

4. Breaking the Fast: After the moonrise, women view the moon through a sieve (as a part of the ritual), offer prayers, and seek blessings for their husbands. Hereafter, the husbands then offer them water and the first bite of food, symbolizing the breaking of the fast. This is often one of the most tender and heartfelt moments of the day, filled with smiles and relief of successfully completing the fast.

Also Read : Durga Visarjan 2024 : Tradition, Timings, and Environmental Impact

Tips for Your Karwa Chauth Fast

If this is your first Karwa Chauth or you’re worried about fasting without water for a long time, here are some tips to help make the day more comfortable:

Hydrate Well the Night Before: Drink plenty of water the day before Karwa Chauth to stay hydrated during the fast. Meanwhile, sargi also play an important role in providing nutrition and energy, so try to include foods that are rich in fiber and protein to keep you fuller for longer.

Avoid Too Much Physical Activity: Since you won’t be consuming any food or water during the day, try to avoid any physically demanding tasks. Instead, try relaxing, meditating, or spending time with your loved ones to keep your energy preserved for the day.

Remain Patient: Fasting can be both physically and emotionally challenging especially if it is your first time. Hence, try to remain patient and positive and focus on the spiritual significance of this day for both you and your husband to keep yourself motivated.

Conclusion

Karwa Chauth is a celebration of love, devotion, and togetherness. Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or the fiftieth, each year brings with it new memories and moments to cherish.

So, if you’re planning to celebrate this year, embrace the beauty of the day, dress up, enjoy the traditions, and most importantly, cherish those small moments with your loved ones.