Women observe Karva Chauth for their men's long life
New Delhi: Tuesday was Karva Chauth, the festival when married women fast all day, eschewing food and water, praying for the long life of their husbands. Women break this dawn-to-night fast when they sight the moon. Married women celebrate the
Karva Chauth festival across northern India as a day of fasting for the well-being of
their husbands. On this day women keep a strict fast and do not even drink water.
The fast, observed from sunrise to sunset, is broken after sighting of moon. Women
turn out in their bridal finery in the evening and visit temples. The festival, which falls
about nine days before the Hindu festival of Diwali or festival of lights, is considered
very important by married women. Applying “henna” or herbal red colour with
intricate designs on palms and feet is an integral part of the festival. Bangle sellers are
also in great demand as bangles symbolise prosperity and zest for life. The festival is
particularly special for a newly-wed woman who decks up in her bridal finery and
many visit beauty saloons to look their best.
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department came up with special packages for
couples on the day.
