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In India, a marriage is considered to be a bond
of a lifetime. Nine days before Diwali, some time in October or November, on the
Kartik ki Chauth, Karva Chauth is undertaken. Karwa Chauth is a fast undertaken
by married Hindu women for the welfare, prosperity, well being and longevity of
their husbands. It is consider to be the most important fast undertaken by women
of North India. It starts before sunrise and ends after worshipping the moon,
which usually rises at about 8.45 p.m. No food or water is to be taken after 4
a.m. or after sunrise. The fast is broken once the moon is sighted and special
rituals and prayers marking the day have been offered.
On this auspicious day married females gathered
on the very evening, dress up in special clothes. Bangles and other jewellery
are worn and special henna patterns are applied on the hands. Woman's usually
gather in a group and narrate mythological stories illustrating the importance
of fasting on Karwa Chauth. After the moon rises, the women try to spot its
reflection in water. Then, they pray for their husband's safety and long life,
and finally break their fast.
According to a Legend of the Satyavan and
Savitri. When Lord Yama, came to procure Satyavan's soul, Savitri begged him to
grant him life. When he refused, she stopped eating and drinking and Yamraj
finally relented. He granted her, her husband's life. To this day, Karva Chauth
is celebrated with great faith and belief.
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