Karwa Chauth 2024: From rules to rituals, here's all you need to know if you're celebrating your first fast

Karwa Chauth is an auspicious festival in the Hindu calendar where women keep a fast for the long and healthy lives of their husbands and future partners. The sacred vrat or fast is also called a 'nirjala' fast as the women do not eat or drink anything for the whole duration of the fast ie from sunrise to moonrise. This year the Karwa Chauth is going to be observed tomorrow, Sunday, October 20, 2024. If you are a first-time faster there are several crucial rituals and guidelines you to know to avoid any mistakes that may or may not affect the?sanctity of your vrat. Here's everything you need to know as someone who's observing the Karwa Chauth vrat for the first time.

Rituals and rules you should know?if you're celebrating your first Karwa Chauth

1) Sargi

The fast actually begins even before sunrise. On the day of the Karwa Chauth women have to wake up early and take blessings of their elders. If you are newly married and living with your in-laws you can take your mother-in-law's help but if you are yet to be married or don't live with your in-laws you can talk to them on the phone. After getting the blessing from your elders, you can eat the sargi.

2) Solah Shringar

Karwa Chauth is a time of celebration, especially for a new bride. Newly wedded brides or women observing the fast for the first time are encouraged to dress up for the puja with full solah (16) shringar which includes bindi, kajal, hear (necklace), bajuband (ornamental jewellery for arms), maang tikka, nath, sindoor, karn phool (earrings). mehendi, bangles, thumb rings, kamarband, anklets, toe rings, itar (fragrance).

While these are the traditional solah shringar, nowadays, solah shringar can be loosely translated into simply 16 things that you get ready with. These could include your jewellery as well as makeup products.

3)?What to wear?

Since red is considered an auspicious colour in Hindu mythology and is also associated with married women, it is encouraged to wear red on this day. Nowadays women can choose among a wide variety od reds, marrons and even pinks to wear on this occasion. In fact women can also wear the bridal lehenga to celebrate Krwa Chauth, especially if you are observing your first fast. Just make sure to skip black colour, otherwise, all vibrant colours can be worn.

4)?Vrat Katha

It is very important for you to listen to the Karwa Chauth katha during the evening puja. No fast is considered completed or successful if you have skipped the katha. Also, adhere to the timings of the puja, listen to the katha with dedication and participate in the rituals of the puja.

5) What to eat after vrat

Non-vegetarian food is not allowed on Karwa Chauth fast. Even when the fast is technically over and you have broken the fast after listening to the katha and following the necessary steps of looking at your partner through the sieve, you should eat a pure vegetarian meal. In fact, no other family member should eat non-vegetarian food on this auspicious occasion.

Also Read:?Karwa Chauth 2024: Unique & trending mehendi designs to elevate your festive look

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