Karwa Chauth 2024: Here are tips and tricks to follow while fasting during the festival

Karwa Chauth is a significant festival for Hindus, celebrated mainly by married women. On this day, women observe a strict fast from morning to evening to ensure the well-being of their husbands. The festival takes place on Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik and will be celebrated on October 20 in 2024.

Women are expected to follow many rules and guidelines to honor this holy day with deep devotion.

Fasting Tips for Karwa Chauth Vrat:

Karwa Chauth 2024: Do's

1. Wake up early Women are advised to wake up early in the morning, preferably before sunrise, to take a bath and clean themselves before having Sargi.

2. Sargi

Eating Sargi is an important ritual of the festival, but some women may choose not to take it before the fast begins as it is not obligatory for everyone. This practice may vary depending on family traditions. Typically given by the mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law, Sargi contains foods rich in proteins and vitamins that help maintain energy levels. It is also recommended that the food be Sattvic.

3. Wear an auspicious color

Women are encouraged to wear auspicious colors such as green, red, orange, pink, yellow, peach and maroon. Since the fast is observed for the sake of the longevity of their husbands, it is important to choose vibrant and meaningful colors for their clothing on this special day.

4. Apply mehendi

Applying mehendi or henna on this auspicious day is a significant ritual that symbolizes happiness and the bond of marriage. Women usually apply mehendi not only on their hands but also on their feet. It is important to observe this tradition because it is believed that the darker the mehendi, the deeper the love between a man and a woman.

5. Recite Katha

Karwa Chauth Vrat is dedicated to Chauth Mata and women are encouraged to follow all puja rituals. It is customary to gather with other women and recite the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, which is an integral part of the puja.

6. Prepare Sattvic food

On this holy day, women prepare Sattvic food which is offered first to Lord Ganesha and then to Chauth Mata. Dishes like Halwa, Poori, Aloo Ki Sabzi, Kheer and other delicacies are traditionally prepared by the women.

7. Offer gifts to your mother-in-law

On the auspicious occasion of Karwa Chauth, it is useful to give a gift to your mother-in-law and seek her blessings by touching her feet. In some regions it is common to offer food, clothing, sweets and money as a sign of love and respect.

8. Wear Solaah Shringar

A married woman is often identified by her appearance and the Shringar items she adorns, such as vermilion, bindi, bangles and anklets. It is important to wear these decorative items on this auspicious day.

9. Wait for the moon to rise

Women fasting on this holy day should exercise patience until the moon rises and break their fast after worshiping the Moon God.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Here are the don'ts to keep in mind

Avoid unfavorable colors

Women are advised to avoid unfavorable colors like blue, black, grey, cream and white during this festival. These colors are not considered suitable for married women who seek the blessings of the goddess for their husband's longevity.

Avoid tamasik food

Regardless of whether they are fasting or not, women should refrain from consuming or engaging in activities that are considered tamasik. This helps preserve the sanctity of the day and it is important to maintain the sanctity of the occasion.

Avoid physical activity

It is advisable to avoid heavy work and intense physical activity on this day. Since you are fasting, it is best to avoid exercise and strenuous activities.

(with ToI inputs)