New Delhi: Preparations have started for Karva Chauth, the biggest festival of married women. Every year this fast is observed on the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. On this day, married women observe Nirjala fast for their husband's long life, good health and happy married life. According to the Hindu calendar, this year the fast of Karva Chauth will be observed on Thursday, October 29. Chaturthi Tithi will start at 1:06 pm on October 29 and end at 10:9 pm. Since this fast is observed with moonrise, hence according to Udaya Tithi, the fast will be valid only on 29th October.
When will the moon come out?
The most awaited moment on Karva Chauth is the moon. This year, the moon is expected to rise on October 29 at around 8:17 pm. However, the time of moonrise may vary in every city, so please check the local time of your city.
How to do puja?
After taking bath in the morning, take a pledge to fast and worship Chauth Mata. Keep a Nirjala fast throughout the day and prepare for the puja by doing sixteen makeups in the evening. Worship Chauth Mata, Lord Ganesha and Mata Gauri in the auspicious time. Offer them Roli, Akshat, flowers, incense-lamp, Ganga water, Panchamrit and bhog. When the moon rises at night, look at the moon through a sieve and offer Arghya. After this, break the fast by drinking water from the husband's hand. It is also considered important to follow one's family tradition in worship.
Importance of Solah Shringar
Solah Shringaar has special significance on Karva Chauth. In this, bindi-sindoor is a symbol of marriage, mehndi brings auspiciousness, maangtika and kajal complete the makeup. Mangalsutra and bangles, anklets, earrings, armlets, red pair, gajra in hair and perfume – all these are considered a part of the bride's makeup.
Story of Karva Chauth
According to the story, Veervati, the daughter of a moneylender, observed the fast of Karva Chauth for the first time at her in-laws' house. She had come to her parents' home. She was worried about the moon not rising, so the brothers created a fake moon by shining a light behind the peepal tree. Believing it to be the real moon, Veeravati broke her fast, due to which her husband's health deteriorated and he became invisible. Later she fasted on every Chaturthi for 12 months and performed puja with full rituals on the next Karva Chauth, due to which she got her husband back. This story tells how important devotion and rules are in fasting.