Karwa Chauth 2024: What is Sargi? Meaning, rituals and foods

Karwa Chauth is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated by married women. The festival is mainly celebrated in the north and west of India. The day marks the devotion, sacrifice and love of married women for their husbands.

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On this day, from sunrise to moonrise, women observe a strict fast and abstain from food and water. This all-day fast ends with the sighting of the moon in the evening. The fasting women say prayers to the moon for the well-being and longevity of their husbands and end the fast.

The festival involves a number of rituals and prayers, including the preparation of a special meal called Sargi, carefully prepared by mothers-in-law.

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This year Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 20. According to Drik Panchang, the Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat will be held from 5:46 p.m. to 7:02 p.m. The Karwa Chauth Upavasa time is on October 20 from 6:25 am to 7:54 pm.

Here's everything you need to know about the Sargi Thali preparation, significance and foods ahead of the festival.

Karwa Chauth 2024: What is Sargi?

The rituals of Karwa Chauth begin with an early morning prayer, followed by a pre-dawn meal called Sargi. This is one of the most important rituals that married women and their mothers-in-law observe before starting the fast.

Sargi is more than just a meal, it symbolizes the blessings and support that a mother-in-law gives to her daughter-in-law on this special day. This aspect of the Karwa Chauth ritual is crucial in providing those fasting with vital nutrients to keep them healthy and energized throughout the day.

Traditionally, the mother-in-law presents the sargi to her daughter-in-law along with new clothes, matching jewelry, makeup items and other accessories.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Meaning

For fasting women, the Sargi ritual during Karwa Chauth is very important. As part of this tradition, a mother-in-law prepares a special morning meal for her daughter-in-law, which is eaten before sunrise.

The Sargi Thali typically includes food and drinks as well as items for Solah Shringar (16 decorations) and puja. This is considered a gesture of happiness and love for her daughter-in-law.

Furthermore, fasting on Karwa Chauth is not only for the well-being and long life of the partner but also for the sons and grandchildren, prosperity and prosperity of the family.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Rituals

A day before Karwa Chauth, women apply mehndi on their feet and hands. In the early hours of the morning, the mother-in-law offers Sargi to her daughter-in-law. After taking a bath and saying the first prayers of Karwa Chauth, Sargi is consumed, followed by a day-long fast without food and water until moonrise.

Then the married women dress like a bride with Solah Shringar and prepare for the puja. Later in the evening, women worship Goddess Parvati and recite the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha.

Once the puja is over, women wait for the moonrise to break the fast. After sighting the moon through a sieve or a transparent cloth and gazing at her husband in the same way, married women offer water to the moon and break the fast by accepting water from their husbands. The couple then shares the food prepared for the puja together.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Food

Sargi Thali consists of various foods, from sweets, fruits and savory dishes to curries, rice and roti. It is a filling meal lovingly prepared for the daughter-in-law to help her prepare for the fasting day.

• Fruits are an essential part of Sargi Thali as they help fasting women stay active and energetic throughout the day.
• Various dried fruits can also be added to the plate.
• Mothers-in-law also include homemade sweets like laddoos, mathri, kheer or halwa in the Sargi Thali.
• Whole wheat parathas or rotis should also be included in the thali.
• Lassi, buttermilk or coconut water help maintain hydration during fasting.
• A small portion of curd or raita can provide probiotics and aid digestion.

Foods to avoid in Sargi Thali

The Sargi Thali is prepared using only Satvic foods. Garlic, onions and non-vegetarian foods are strictly prohibited while preparing food for the fasting women. Here are the foods you should avoid before fasting:

• Avoid drinking tea and coffee a day before Karwa Chauth as it can contribute to dehydration.
• Foods high in salt should be avoided to prevent dehydration.
• It is advisable to avoid foods high in sugar before starting the fast, as these can trigger food cravings.
• Spicy or fried foods should be avoided to prevent bloating.