New Delhi:
Karwa Chauth falls during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Krishna Paksha Chaturthi as per the Hindu calendar. The word Karwa or Karak refers to the earthen pot through which water offering, known as Argha is made to the moon. This year Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on 8th October 2017. This festival is celebrated by married women during which they observe a nirjala fast for the safety and longevity of their husbands. Unmarried women can also observe this fast for their prospective grooms.
Karwa Chauth coincides with Sankashti Chaturthi a fasting day observed for Lord Ganesha. Women have to fast all day. They usually meet their relatives, friends during the day. In some parts of the country, women also exchange gifts, like bangle, cosmetics, handkerchief put in karwas, with their married female friends. Women are usually dressed in red, orange, gold, pink colours, as these colours are considered auspiscious for the occasion.
Karwa Chauth day is also known as Karak Chaturthi. Karwa is very significant during Puja and it is also given as Dan to the Brahmin or any eligible woman.Compare to South Indian states, Karwa Chauth is more popular in North Indian states.
Karwa Chauth is just the name of the month that differs but in some or the other way this festival is celebrated across the country and is known by different names.
How is Karwa Chuth Celebrated?
In afternoon, a women only ceremony is performed in which women of a neighbourhood including their other friends sit in a circle and exchange pooja thalis. Depending on the region, a version of the Karwa chauth story is narrated by an old woman or a priest. Women also sing Karwa chauth pooja song during the feris or the rotation of pooja thali.
Women wait for the moon. And depending on the region, women offer prayers to the moon, with their husband nearby and see its reflection in a vessel filled with water, or through a cloth/ dupatta, or through a sieve. Water or arka is offered to moon. They then turn towards their husband and see them indirectly. Woman says prayer for a long and healthy life of her husband. Husband offers sip of water to the woman and also a bite of usually a sweet from the pooja thali. The woman then resumes her fast and now can take a proper meal. Have a happy Karwa chauth
Here's why women use sieve to see the moon:
Have you ever wondered why women see the Karwa chauth moon through sieve only? Well, there are many old beliefs behind this particular ritual. According to a strong belief in North India, this is the moon of Kartik and is form of Lord Shiva and his only son Lord Ganesha.
And in North India, it is considered essential for the women to always be in 'ghoonghat' (cover their face) in front of the elders. So, it is a kind of respect to the Karwa Chauth moon that married women pay.
While it is also believed that it is a prayer to the Karwa chauth moon to show its filtered rays. The filtered rays signify the blessings of only happiness and good in life. So, now you know the secret of sieve. A happy Karwa chauth to all.
Karwa Chauth 2017: Puja Muhurat Timings
Date: October 8
Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat - 18:16 P.M. to 19:30 P.M.
Moonrise on Karwa Chauth day- 20:40 P.M.
