**Karwa Chauth: Significance, Dos and Don’ts**
Karwa Chauth is an auspicious festival celebrated in Hindu culture, primarily observed in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Named after the Karwa (earthen pot), this festival falls in October or November, on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). In 2025, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Friday, October 10.
### Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is one of India’s holy festivals, mainly observed by married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the health and longevity of their husbands. This day symbolizes love, devotion, and the strong bond between married couples. Women adorn themselves with henna, wear gorgeous traditional attire—especially red sarees—and gather with friends and family for prayers and rituals. The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the moon, by drinking water.
### Dos on Karwa Chauth
1. **Early Morning Rituals**
Women should wake up early and take a bath before sunrise to start the day fresh and pure.
2. **Clean and Decorate Your Home**
Clean your home with gangajal (holy water) and decorate it with flowers and lights to create a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
3. **Dress Traditionally**
Wear new and colorful traditional clothes. Preferred colors include red, yellow, pink, and green for sarees or suits.
4. **Apply Henna (Mehendi)**
Apply henna a day before the festival as it symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and a happy married life.
5. **Pre-Fast Meal (Sargi)**
The fast begins before sunrise with a pre-fast meal known as ‘Sargi.’ This meal typically includes fruits, sweets, and various traditional dishes, usually prepared by the mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law.
6. **Perform Rituals with Devotion**
Set an asan (prayer seat) and place idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for worship. Recite the Karwa Chauth katha (story) during the puja as part of completing the fast.
7. **Nirjala Vrat Precautions**
Those observing the strict nirjala vrat (fast without water) should take extra care while performing all rituals and maintain their health.
### Don’ts on Karwa Chauth
– Avoid consuming any food or water from sunrise until the moon is sighted.
– Do not wear black, grey, or white clothing, as these colors are considered inauspicious for the day.
– Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food (Tamsik food) on this auspicious day.
– Avoid negative emotions and any inauspicious acts to keep the atmosphere positive and sacred throughout the day.
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Karwa Chauth is a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, reflecting traditions that have been cherished for generations. Observing the dos and don’ts with devotion makes the festival a spiritually fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/karwa-chauth-2025-must-know-dos-and-donts-for-this-auspicious-festival