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Karva Chauth is a one-day festival that will be celebrated on 30 October this year.
The day falls on the fourth day of the full moon and the festival is observed mostly in northern parts of India including Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
On this occasion, married women fast from sunrise to moon rise for the welfare and longevity of their husbands. Also, many unmarried girls perform the rituals wishing for a good life partner.
'Karva' basically means clay pot and 'chauth' means fourth. This festival is celebrated immediately after the autumn harvest.
In Punjab, 'sargi,' a pre-dawn meal is given by the mother-in-law as part of the tradition. In some regions, the women exchange painted clay pots filled with bangles, ribbons, sweets, cosmetics and some clothes according to their customs.
Women put mehendi and wear attractive traditional Indian attire, usually in bridal colours of red or pink. In many parts, new brides wear their wedding costumes.
In some places, a priest or an elderly woman tells stories (Katha) regarding the true meaning of Karva Chauth. Post the Katha, the ladies pass their thalis around in the circle while singing and chanting Karva Chauth puja songs.
They break their fast by looking at the rising moon through a sieve and then at their husband. The women are fed sweets and given a sip of water by their husbands.
Check out the above slideshow for 'Karva Chauth' picture messages.
