Karwa Chauth is celebrated in the autumn season that usually is celebrated four days after the purnima in the month of Kartik. It falls in October and November when followed according to the Gregorian Calendar. The origin of this festival is based on many mythological stories, one of which is the story of a woman named Karwa. It is believed that while bathing in a river, her husband was caught by the crocodile and died. Hence, Karwa then threatened Yama (the god of death) to send the crocodile to hell; otherwise, she would destroy him. Therefore, Yama gets scared of the curse given by a devoted wife and sends the crocodile to hell while giving back life to her husband. After this, Karwa and her husband lived happily for years.
This holy festival is mainly celebrated by the married Hindu women that belong to the entire North Indian community. The women celebrate this festival by fasting from early morning to the time when the moon rises. It is celebrated because it is based on a sweet and noble idea. On this day, women buy a karwa, which is a spherical earthen clay pot. She puts bangles, mithai, nail paints, lipsticks and gives it to every lady who is on fast. Women also visit their neighboring houses and exchange Karwa Chauth Gifts with other women. They also send gifts to their mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.
Previously people used to celebrate Karwa Chauth by making delicious food at home and completing the fast with their husbands. But with the increase in commercialization, this festival is no more a simple one. During this festival, the business of Mehendiwaalas, Chooriwalis, restaurant, and sweets shops is on the hike. Karwa Chauth celebrations are growing huge by every passing day.
All the women on the day of Karwa Chauth make sure to complete the fast rigorously by not even drinking water. They wake up before sunrise and eat the delicious sargi that is given by their mother-in-law. In the evening, they get beautifully dressed up in beautiful clothes and jewelry for the puja. They love getting ready for this occasion as it is of great importance to them. Next, they get a basket from their mother-in-law that is full of sweets, fruits, dry fruits, and a set of apparel.
All the women of the locality then gather at a place for praying and reach with their Karwa Chauth Pooja Thalis to complete the prayers. Then an older woman narrates the Vrat Katha to accomplish their Karwa Chauth puja. After this, they wait for the moonrise, and as soon the moon is sighted, they offer prayers to the moon and observe it through the sieve. Then the husband breaks her fast by offering a sip of water and a bite of food. Hence, this accomplishes her prayers for the long life and prosperity of her husband.
For these efforts of hers, it is very important for a husband to surprise his wife with lots of goodies on this special day. There are a lot of options in the market that can be gifted to her on this Karwa Chauth. Gifting her a bouquet of beautiful roses and an elegant piece of jewelry can always be a good option to surprise her. Apart from this, you can also give her a handbag, apparels, or any accessory that can be added to her wardrobe. If you wish to make it more personal and emotional, then give her some personalized gifts that express your love. But before gifting her anything on this special occasion, remember that it is very important for you to put your thoughts in the gift. Your thoughts and love is what matters to her and not the type of gift you are going to give her.
