New Delhi: Karwa Chauth is a sacred Hindu festival symbolising the love and devotion of married women towards their husbands. This year, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 20, 2024. Observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the Kartik month, the day-long fast requires preparation and attention to detail. To ensure a smooth fasting experience, it’s essential to gather all the Karwa Chauth must-haves ahead of time.
Whether you’re fasting for the first time as a newlywed or you’re experienced, here’s a guide to the essential items for Karwa Chauth that will make your fast comfortable and help you celebrate the true spirit of the festival.
Karwa Chauth Essentials
1. Sargi
Sargi is a pre-dawn meal given to the woman by her mother-in-law. It typically includes fresh fruits, nuts, sweets, dry fruits, coconut, paratha, and a light curry or sabzi. Depending on your preferences, you can customise the sargi to include nutritious foods that will help sustain you throughout the day.
Having a healthy and well-prepared sargi for Karwa Chauth will give you the energy needed to observe the fast successfully.
2. Karwa Thali
A Karwa Thali is an essential part of the evening puja. This beautifully decorated plate typically includes items like a diya, incense sticks (dhoop), rice, roli (vermilion), a Karwa filled with water, and sweets. The thali is crucial for the puja rituals and might vary according to regional traditions.
Ensure your Karwa Thali for 2024 is prepared with all the necessary items for a complete and meaningful puja.
3. Puja Samagri
The puja samagri required for Karwa Chauth includes:
- Roli (kumkum) for tilak
- Akshat (rice) for rituals
- Flowers for offerings
- Sieve (chalni) to view the moon and husband’s face after breaking the fast
- A small lota (brass or silver vessel) filled with water for the moon offering
Having all the puja samagri ensures that you can perform the rituals without any last-minute rush.
4. Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
Listening to or reading the Karwa Chauth vrat katha is an integral part of the day. It is read during the evening puja, before breaking the fast. Make sure you have the katha text or audio ready to ensure a spiritually enriching experience.
5. Moon Viewing Essentials
After a day-long fast, women eagerly await the moonrise. Essential items for moon viewing during Karwa Chauth include:
- A sieve (chalni) to view the moon and your husband’s face
- A lota filled with water or milk to offer arghya (water offering) to the moon
- A sweet to eat after breaking the fast
Being prepared with these essentials will help you end the fast gracefully.
6. Post-Fast Meal
After moonrise and the completion of the puja, the fast is broken with a light yet nutritious meal. Traditional dishes like puri, dal, and vegetables are commonly prepared, along with some sweets to replenish energy.
Planning a healthy post-fast meal is essential to rehydrate and nourish your body after the day-long fast.
7. Baya (Gift)
Some families follow the tradition of giving Baya, which includes gifts such as clothing, sweets, dry fruits, or cosmetics. This is usually exchanged between families as a token of love and blessings.
Ensure you have your Karwa Chauth baya ready if your family follows this tradition.
By preparing these essential items for Karwa Chauth 2024, you can focus on the devotion and rituals of the day without worrying about missing anything. Celebrate the festival with love, grace, and thorough preparation.
