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Karva Chouth: (October/November) 

Karva Chouth falls usually about nine days before Diwali on the Kartik ki Chouth (fourth day of the waning moon or the dark fortnight) some time in October or November.

It is the most important fast observed by the women of North India.

A woman keeps such a fast for the wellbeing of her husband, who is said to become her protector after she leaves her parents home.

In the past, a widow was regarded as a burden to the house and was burned on the funeral

pyre of her husband. Since this ritual was very painful and Thisbarbaric, this was glorified by attributing great virtue to the woman concerned, and she was known as a Sati. Hence, it was considered in her best interest that her husband remains alive.

Earlier, the elders of the family were also keen to discipline the young wife, who was sometimes married off at the tender age of seven or eight years. Great care was taken on the day of this fast to ensure that she took neither food nor water unwittingly. An older woman would accompany the young girl even to the bathroom, or the toilet, to ensure that she did not drink any

water.

The fast of Karva Chouth is a very tough fast to observe, as it starts before sunrise and ends after worshipping the moon, which rises at night. Today, this fast is kept even in modern homes, as a symbol of a woman's love for her husband.

Earlier, the elders of the family were also keen to discipline the young wife, who was sometimes married off at the tender age of seven or eight years. Great care was taken on the day of this fast to ensure that she took neither food nor water unwittingly. An older woman would accompany the young girl even to the bathroom, or the toilet, to ensure that she did not drink any

water.

The goddess known as Gaur Mata is worshipped during this fasting day. Women celebrate by buying bangles and applying henna patterns on their hands. New brides wear their bridal outfits and others wear outfits woven with gold.

Once the moon rises, the women see its reflection in a thaali of water, after which they do a

pooja for their husband's safety and long life, and finally break their fast, only after feeding their husbands.