Karwa Chauth Festival - करवा चौथ
Himachal Pradesh is often defined as the nature's paradise. Its beauty is graced with splendid valleys, verdant green hills, snow clad mountains and burbling streams. Still tucked away from the encroachments of the modern advancements, Himachal Pradesh has become one of the very popular travel destinations in India for the tourists around the globe. However what attracts tourists to this glorious hill state in India is just not the unparalleled scenic beauty of the place but the way local people continue to live their life with utmost simplicity however speckled with vibrant colours at times of celebrations.
Celebrations in Himachal Pradesh signify numerous fairs and festivals that have both religious and social implications. One of the very famous and truly Indian to the heart festival that has held everybody's attention alike is Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh. The festival of Karwa Chauth in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated by the married women. They remain on fasting for entire day in order to ensure welfare, prosperity, long life and well being of their husbands.
The festivities of Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh start from early morning. Before sunrise, women take bath and attire in new cloths. They take few selected grains and fruits in meal. For remaining day they do not take food and water. However this strict practice to shun food and water for the entire day has been to some extent altered. Further, married women offer prayers to Hindu god and goddess such as Shiva and Parvathi. The prayers on the day of Karwa Chauth are offered with the motive of seeking blessings that would enable them to enjoy successful married lives. It is during afternoon that women assemble in neighbourhood for a prayer ceremony. They recite very popular Karva Chauth story. On the time of the Puja, women wear bright red or pink clothes and stunning jewelry. Once the prayer ceremony is over all the women eagerly wait for moon rise. As soon as moon appears on sky every woman come to their terrace and offer prayers to ensure well being for their husband and family. They offer water to moon 16 times. An elderly woman of the family again recites story of Karwa Chauth. Later, the daughter in laws offer a small painted clay pot or say Auli filled with rice and other things to their mother-in-laws. At the end of these rituals, all women break their fast with a sip of water. There are some unmarried girls also who observe fasts on Karwa Chauth with the hope of getting good husband.
Celebrations in Himachal Pradesh signify numerous fairs and festivals that have both religious and social implications. One of the very famous and truly Indian to the heart festival that has held everybody's attention alike is Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh. The festival of Karwa Chauth in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated by the married women. They remain on fasting for entire day in order to ensure welfare, prosperity, long life and well being of their husbands.
The festivities of Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh start from early morning. Before sunrise, women take bath and attire in new cloths. They take few selected grains and fruits in meal. For remaining day they do not take food and water. However this strict practice to shun food and water for the entire day has been to some extent altered. Further, married women offer prayers to Hindu god and goddess such as Shiva and Parvathi. The prayers on the day of Karwa Chauth are offered with the motive of seeking blessings that would enable them to enjoy successful married lives. It is during afternoon that women assemble in neighbourhood for a prayer ceremony. They recite very popular Karva Chauth story. On the time of the Puja, women wear bright red or pink clothes and stunning jewelry. Once the prayer ceremony is over all the women eagerly wait for moon rise. As soon as moon appears on sky every woman come to their terrace and offer prayers to ensure well being for their husband and family. They offer water to moon 16 times. An elderly woman of the family again recites story of Karwa Chauth. Later, the daughter in laws offer a small painted clay pot or say Auli filled with rice and other things to their mother-in-laws. At the end of these rituals, all women break their fast with a sip of water. There are some unmarried girls also who observe fasts on Karwa Chauth with the hope of getting good husband.