**Karwa Chauth: Significance, Dos, and Don’ts**
Karwa Chauth is an auspicious festival celebrated in Hindu culture, prominently observed in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Named after the *Karwa* (an 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 revered festivals, primarily observed by married women. On this day, women fast from sunrise until moonrise for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. The festival beautifully reflects love, devotion, and the strong bond between married couples.
Married women adorn themselves with henna, wear elegant traditional attire—especially red sarees—and gather with friends and family to offer prayers and perform rituals. After sighting the moon, the fast is broken by drinking water, marking the end of the day’s observance.
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### Dos on Karwa Chauth
Also known as Karak Chaturthi, this day calls for careful adherence to rituals and customs by married women. Here are some essential dos for Karwa Chauth:
– **Wake up early and take a bath before sunrise.** Clean your home with *gangajal* (holy water) and decorate it beautifully with flowers and lights.
– **Wear new and colorful traditional attire.** Shades like red, yellow, pink, and green sarees or suits are preferred, symbolizing happiness and prosperity.
– **Prepare and consume a traditional pre-fast meal called ‘Sargi’.** Usually prepared by the mother-in-law, Sargi includes fruits, sweets, and other traditional dishes to sustain through the day.
– **Apply henna (mehendi) a day prior to the festival.** Henna symbolizes good fortune, a happy married life, and prosperity.
– **Perform prayers with devotion.** Place idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva on an *asan* (a clean seat or cloth) and worship them.
– **Recite the Karwa Chauth *katha* during the puja.** This storytelling is an integral part of the ritual and strengthens the spiritual significance of the fast.
– **If observing *nirjala vrat* (waterless fast),** take extra care of your health and complete all rituals diligently.
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### Don’ts on Karwa Chauth
To maintain the sanctity and effectiveness of the fast, here are some important don’ts to observe on Karwa Chauth:
– **Do not consume water or any food items before moonrise.** The fast is only broken after seeing the moon.
– **Avoid wearing black, grey, or white clothes** as these colors are considered inauspicious for this festival.
– **Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food (Tamsik food).** The fast demands purity in both action and diet.
– **Refrain from any negative emotions or inauspicious activities** throughout the day to preserve positive energy.
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Karwa Chauth is a festival steeped in tradition, love, and devotion. Observing the dos and don’ts carefully helps honor the cultural values and strengthens marital bonds. May this Karwa Chauth bring happiness, prosperity, and lasting love into your life.
*Wishing all a blessed and joyous Karwa Chauth!*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/karwa-chauth-2025-must-know-dos-and-donts-for-this-auspicious-festival