By Bala Mishra

When is Karva Chauth 2011 – Well the Date for Karwa Chauth 2011 is Sunday 16th of October i.e Karva Chauth is celebrated on 4th day of krishna paksh or dark-fortnight in the month of Kartik.

Karva Chauth is celebrated by a married woman to ensure the longevity of life of her husband as well as his prosperity and well-being. It is also an occasion for the married woman to get closer to her in-laws and also repose trust and faith in her husband. The festival occurs 9 days before Diwali, the Festival of Lights on the day of “Kartik ki chauth”.

History of Karva Chauth

In the earlier days, girls got married very early and had to often travel far, away from their parents. In their in-laws house, they do not have anybody to share their problems and sorrows. On this solemn occasion they befriend another woman in the locality with whom they become close and treat her as a god-sister. Both of them share their inner most thoughts. Karva chauth, therefore initially began as a ceremony offering friendship and later on it became a ritual for the well-being of the husband.

Celebration of Karva Chauth

It is celebrated in the Northern part of India by married woman. The woman of the house applies henna in her hair and dresses in bridal wear and wears jewelry that she received at the time of her marriage or whatever jewelry she has. They usual dress up in red or pink. She looks her best. She applies sindoor on her forehead. Rangoli designs are drawn in the house as well as outside the house. Special foods are cooked and it is an occasion for festivities and spending time in the thoughts of her beloved husband. She keeps a fast which she breaks after seeing the moon in bowl of water. This is day for family and friends to get-together. Gifts are exchanged and the husband also presents a beautiful gift for his wife.

Ritual of Karva Chauth

The married woman keeps fast on this day and breaks it after seeing the moon. They do not even drink water.

On the occasion of this vrat (Fast) a kalash (small container) is filled with either milk or water. In that kalash is placed Pancha Ratna (five pieces of different metals gold, silver, copper, brass and iron). The kalash is then presented to a Brahmin and also exchanged with other married women. While thus presenting the kalash, a wishful prayer is offered to Lord Ganesh: "Let the offerings of this Karva (Karak (gift bring long life to my husband and may my sau bhagya be everlasting". And express such desire that ‘May my death precede that of my husband so that I can enter the chitaa (funeral pyre) as a bride (not as a widow). The Karwa Chauth katha (narrative) first took place between Siva and Parvati. Siva told Parvati about the significance of Karva Vrat. In Dwapar Yuga, Draupadi asked Lord Krishna about the vrat of Karva Chauth. Thereafter, the very first time this vrat was observed in the town of Shukraprastha by Veeravati, the daughter of Vedsharma and Leelavati. Ever since this vrat has been observed by married women till the present day. On the occasion of Karva Chauth which is on the day of Kartik Krishna Chaturthi, fasting (vrat) is observed. In the evening, after taking a bath, under a banyan tree (or in the absence of such tree, draw a picture of such tree) place murtis or pictures of Siva, Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya and do puja ceremony (shodashopachar or sixteen step puja ceremony). Then for the offerings of arghya (rice, flower etc.), while waiting for the moon to rise, japa is done with the mantra "Om namah Shivaya". Havan (sacred fire ceremony) is also done. Thereafter, having sited the moon, offer the arghya.

If the husband is present, then worship him with Panchopchar or gandh, pushpa, dhoop, deep and naivedya (perfume, flower, incence, lamp and food). If the husband is away on travels, then offer a prayer to Almighy to grant long life to your husband. Thereafter bring the vrat to its conclusion. Lord Krishna urged Draupadi to observe the vrat of Karva Chauth so that through its influence Arjuna can defeat the Kauravas on the battlefield and acquire back the kingdom.

Chauth is considered to be the fourth day and Karva is an earthen pot with a spout. These are essential for the ritual. They represent peace as well as prosperity. Lord Shiva alongwtih Parati and their son Kartikeya are worshipped on this day .by filling 10 Karvas with sweets. The Karvas are given to daughters as well as sisters along with gifts. In Karva Chauth celebration women sing uja songs and pass their thalis in the circle. This is called feris.

During the first 6 feris they sing -

वीरो कुड़िये करवडा, सर्व सुहागन करवडा, ए कट्टी नया अटेरी ना, खुम्ब चरख्रा फेरी ना, आर पैर पायीं ना, रुठ्दा मनियें ना, सुथडा जगाईं ना, ले वीरा कुरिय करवाडा, लै सर्व सुहगन करवाडा |

In the last and 7th feri they sing -

वीरो कुड़िये करवडा, सर्व सुहागन करवडा, ए कट्टी नया अटेरी नी, खुम्ब चरख्रा फेरी भी, आर पैर पायीं भी, रुठ्दा मनियें भी, सुथडा जगाईं भी, ले वीरा कुरिय करवाडा, लै सर्व सुहागन करवाडा |