Karwa Chauth 2024 date, rituals, and timings | What to do on first Karwa Chauth | Spirituality News

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Karwa Chauth 2024 falls on Sunday, October 20. Learn about its date, rituals, and what to do on your first Karwa Chauth, including Sargi, Solah Shringar, and offering Arghya to the Moon for a blessed marital bond.

Mumbai: Karwa Chauth is one of the most celebrated and revered festivals in India, especially among married women. Rooted deeply in tradition, this day is dedicated to the long life, prosperity, and well-being of husbands. Women across the country, particularly in North India, fast from sunrise to moonrise, expressing their devotion and commitment to their marital bond. The fast is considered incredibly significant, as it is observed without consuming food or water, making it a true test of endurance and faith. Over time, Karwa Chauth has evolved into a grand celebration of love, respect, and togetherness between couples, with modern rituals blending seamlessly with age-old customs. For first-time observers, the day can be overwhelming yet beautiful, as they partake in these sacred traditions for the first time, experiencing a sense of unity and bonding within their family and community.

The festival is not just about abstaining from food or water; it carries a profound cultural and spiritual significance. The day begins with Sargi, a pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother-in-law, symbolising love and blessings. Throughout the day, women adorn themselves in Solah Shringar, which includes traditional jewellery, henna, and red attire, symbolising love and prosperity. The fast culminates with the offering of Arghya to the Moon and the sighting of their husband’s face through a sieve, an age-old tradition signifying the strength of their marital bond.

Karwa Chauth 2024 Date and Auspicious Timings

In 2024, Karwa Chauth will be observed on Sunday, October 20. According to the Hindu calendar, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 6:46 AM on October 20 and ends at 4:16 AM on October 21. The most auspicious time to perform the Karwa Chauth Puja is between 5:46 PM and 7:02 PM on the same day. Observing the rituals during this time brings good fortune and blessings.

Sargi: The Pre-Dawn Ritual

The day-long fast begins with the Sargi, a pre-dawn meal traditionally given by the mother-in-law. This meal provides energy for the entire day, as women abstain from food and water until moonrise. It is essential to consume Sargi before sunrise and seek blessings from elders to begin the fast with the right intentions.

What to Do on Your First Karwa Chauth: Solah Shringar

For first-time observers, wearing the Solah Shringar (sixteen adornments) is an important part of the ritual. This includes applying henna, wearing bangles, bindi, sindoor (vermilion), and other ornaments that symbolise a married woman’s love and commitment. The Solah Shringar adds to the festive spirit of Karwa Chauth and enhances the significance of the occasion.

Karwa Chauth Rituals and Puja

The fast continues throughout the day with prayers and rituals. Married women gather to listen to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, a story that highlights the importance of the fast. After moonrise, women offer Arghya (water) to the Moon, view its reflection through a sieve, and then look at their husband’s face through the same sieve. This symbolic gesture strengthens the marital bond and ensures the husband’s long life.

Women then break their fast by drinking water given by their husbands and enjoy a traditional meal, typically prepared without onion and garlic, as per the customs of the day.

First Karwa Chauth: Clothing and Traditions

For your first Karwa Chauth, it is considered auspicious to wear red or your wedding attire, symbolising love and marital happiness. Avoid wearing black or white, as these colours are deemed inauspicious for the day. The tradition of Baya involves daughters-in-law offering gifts to their mothers-in-law after the Puja, marking respect and mutual blessings.

Observing Karwa Chauth for the first time is a deeply spiritual experience that honours the marital bond. By following traditional practices like Sargi, Solah Shringar, and offering Arghya to the Moon, you can celebrate the occasion with devotion and ensure the blessings of a long, happy marriage.

(Disclaimer: The rituals and beliefs mentioned are based on cultural traditions. News9 Live does not verify the religious significance of these practices.)

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