The story of Karva Chauth is an ancient and sacred
legend found in religious texts, symbolizing love, faith, and devotion. It
centers around a young Brahmin woman named Veeravati, who fasts for the long
life of her husband, and this story teaches us that love and belief can conquer
even the greatest challenges.
The Story of Veeravati
Long ago, in the city of Indraprasthapur, there lived a Brahmin named
Vedsharma. He and his wife Leelavati had seven sons and one beloved daughter,
Veeravati. Being the only sister among seven brothers, Veeravati was
cherished and pampered by her family.
When Veeravati grew up, she was married to a suitable Brahmin boy.
After her marriage, she returned to her parents’ home and decided to observe
her first Karva Chauth fast for the long life of her husband. However,
during the fast, she could not bear the intense hunger and fainted.
Her brothers, deeply concerned for their beloved sister, came up with a plan to trick her into breaking her fast. One of the brothers climbed a distant tree, holding a lamp behind a sieve, to make it appear as though the moon had risen. When Veeravati regained consciousness, her brothers convinced her that the moon had appeared. Believing them, she offered her prayers and broke her fast.
As soon as she started eating, she began to experience bad omens. In her first bite, she found a hair; in the second, she sneezed; and just after her third bite, she received the news that her husband had died.
Distraught, Veeravati blamed herself for her husband’s death, thinking she had broken her fast improperly. In her grief, she prayed and cried bitterly. Hearing her cries, Goddess Indrani, the wife of Lord Indra, appeared and consoled her. Veeravati begged the goddess to bring her husband back to life.
Goddess Indrani revealed that because Veeravati had broken her fast without offering prayers to the moon, her husband had met an untimely death. However, the goddess assured her that if she observed the Karva Chauth fast every month with full devotion, her husband would be revived. Veeravati followed the goddess’s instructions, and through the power of her accumulated merit, her husband was eventually restored to life.
Significance of Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth holds immense importance, especially for married
Hindu women, who fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
Although traditionally observed in North India, especially in states like Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, its popularity has spread
across India due to cinema, television, and cultural integration.
Origin and Rituals of Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth is observed on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik, according to the North Indian calendar. The word "Karva" refers to a clay pot, which is used during the puja (worship) and later donated to a Brahmin as charity.
During the puja, women worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord
Kartikeya, and Lord Ganesha. They also honor Chauth Mata and Gaura Mata, who
are forms of Goddess Parvati.
In recent times, the festival has gained popularity even in states
where it was not traditionally celebrated, such as Gujarat and West Bengal.
This is partly due to the influence of Bollywood, where Karva Chauth scenes
in films and TV shows have romanticized the ritual, making it popular among
young couples.
The Karva Chauth Rituals: Step-by-Step
Mehndi Application: Women apply mehndi (henna) on their hands
the day before Karva Chauth as a symbol of love and prosperity.
Fasting: On the day of Karva Chauth, married women fast
without consuming any food or water.
Dress Like a Bride: Women dress in beautiful, traditional
attire, often in red or bridal colors, and prepare for the evening puja.
Puja Preparation: Women gather for the puja, offering prayers
to Goddess Parvati and other deities.
Moon Sighting: After seeing the moon through a sieve or
transparent cloth, women offer water (Arghya) to the moon and then break their
fast by drinking water from their husband’s hands.
In 2024, Karva Chauth will be observed on [insert date],
coinciding with Sankashti Chaturthi, a fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
This day represents the deep bond between husband and wife, and the power of
devotion to bring blessings and longevity to their relationship.
The legend of Karva Chauth is more than just a tale of fasting
and rituals. It is a symbol of unwavering love, sacrifice, and trust between a
husband and wife. Over time, while the traditions may have evolved, the essence
of this festival remains a tribute to the strength of marital bonds and the
significance of devotion in every relationship.
