Significance
Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of Kartika and is a stringent one-day fast observed by married Hindu women for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands. The fast is observed from sunrise to moonrise -- no food or water is consumed until the woman sights the full moon and her husband's face through a sieve. Mythologically, Veervati, Savitri, and Draupadi are all said to have observed this vrat. The moon on Karva Chauth is associated with Chandra (the Moon god), who governs the mind and emotional well-being.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Sargi Meal
Before sunrise, eat the Sargi -- a pre-dawn meal prepared or given by the mother-in-law. This is the last food before the moonrise fast begins. It includes fruits, mathri, mithai, and fenia.
Karva Chauth Puja
In the afternoon, women gather (traditionally with neighborhood women) and perform the Karva Chauth puja -- listening to the Karva Chauth Katha and circling the puja thali while passing it around.
Mantra: Om Somaya Namah
Moon Sighting
At moonrise, look at the moon through the sieve, then look at the husband's face through the same sieve, then look at his face directly. He offers water for breaking the fast.
Breaking the Fast
The husband offers water and the first bite of food to his wife, completing the vrat. The family then shares a festive meal.
Fasting
A strict Nirjala (waterless) fast from dawn to moonrise. Women with health conditions may take water. The fast begins after the Sargi meal before sunrise and ends only after sighting the moon.
Family Guidance
Husbands can fast in solidarity for a part of the day. Daughters can participate in the puja rituals and apply Mehendi. Tell children the story of the origin of Karva Chauth -- the devotion that transcends physical limitations.