KARWACHAUTH SPECIAL || ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

According to the Hindu calendar, Karwa Chauth falls 9 days before the festival of Diwali and is usually celebrated in the month of 'Karthik' (between October and November).One of the most significant festivals in North India, Karwa Chauth is celebrated by most married women, who keep a one-day fast for their husbands' longevity. This festival is popular among Hindu and Sikh women. The preprations for Karwa Chauth begin days before the actual festival, alike any other festival. Women buy new bright clothes, jewelries, heena, dry fruits and nuts, baked goods and fruits as well. They distribute it among women of family, friends and neighbourhood, as it is believed to be auspicious and bring blessings. This festival brings an opportuniy to women to socialise. So it is safe to say that Karwa Chauth is more of a community festival, where all the married women of the community get together and observe a fast or a 'vrat' for their husbands along with praying for their long lives.

Rituals and Traditions

Customs keep varying with time; not entirely but we tend to bring in changes according to the changing time. Sometimes when we believe that we know the rituals of a festival well, we often misunderstand what we are taught with what actual tradition is. Let's have a look on how they orignally were and the form it has taken now. Custom differs from place to place, community to community; being aware about that I will talk about general rituals. It might surprise you how far we have drifted from the orignal customs.

'Sargi'

Brides-to-be and married women used to get beautifully wrapped gifts, clothes, jewellry, baskets of fruits and nuts and pots (Karwa) from their mother-in-laws. Tradition states that the mother-in-law fills earthen pots with a customary food known as 'Sargi' that has to be consumed by the women the following morning, before sunrise. Sargi usually comprises of foods such as fruits, nuts, fried potatoes, coconut, milk based sweets and baked as well as fried goods (like 'Faniya' and 'Katlamme', locally), to eat, that would strengthen the woman's body. These are 'sent' by the mother-in-laws to the women because, traditionally the married women are supposed to stay in their mother's houses during the festival, and return back to their husband's homes on the day of the festival. But now because we all are engrossed in our lives, women usually do not go to their parents'; also since many women do not live with their in-laws and are often at distance , and even if they both live under same roof, to save the elderly mother-in-law from trouble, ladies buy Sargi for themselves, on behalf of their mother-in-law. Sargi has taken form of money from mother-in-law. So this tradition of receiving Sargi from Mother-in-law has restricted to bride-to-be and newly weds.

'Baya'

The 'baya' includes money, earthen pitcher, clothes, jewelry, fruits, nuts and sweets sent by a woman's mother to her in-law's household. Traditionally on the day of Karwa Chauth ladies come back from their parents' to her in-laws' and would bring Baya with her for her husband's mother. These days, again, these tradition has fortunately restricted to brides-to-be and newly-weds, so that the mothers of married women do not have to give lavish gifts to her in-laws. Ladies now present Baya to their mother-in-law on behalf their mothers, themselves. Women who lives far off from their in-laws can present Baya to their mother-in-law before Diwali.

Pooja And The Story

On the day of Karwachauth married and to-be married women adorn themselves with jewelry, bangles, and bright clothes, and also get elaborate heena patterns done on their palms and feet, which are the symbols of a traditional married woman according to Indian culture. In the evening, women in the neighborhood get together and a pooja is held. The area where the pooja is about to take place is decorated with 'kharia matti' (mud) and cow dung and an idol of Goddess Parvati is sanctified. Hours before the moonrise, the traditional story of Karva Chauth is narrated to all the married women. Legend states that a young woman, who broke her fast before the moonrise, found that her husband died the same instant. Desolate and depressed, the woman prayed to Goddess Parvati to resurrect her husband from the death. The husband finally came back to life after a period of seven Karwa Chauth's. This story is read out to the married women, and a small prayer is recited at the puja for marital bliss. This tradition of narrating story has become obslete in many places and communities.

Breaking The Fast

Women have to break their fasts in the evening, after sighting the full moon through a seive and worshipping it. The fast is usually broken in the presence of the husbands and is a ceremonious affair. Women start by lighting earthen lamps, and fill a container with water. They place this on a traditional "thali" or a plate, and carry it to a spot where they can see the moon. The husband stands in front of the wife, and the wife sees the moon through a fine mesh or sieve. Water is offered to the moon, and the wives look at their husbands through the sieve soon after. This is followed by a prayer for long life, and the husbands offer water and feed them their first morsel of food for the day, thereby ending their wives' fast. The Karwa Chauth customs end with a grand meal soon after.

So that would be it. Apart from conventional customs, Karwa Chauth is also an evolving festival, with new trends coming in every year. All thanks to Bollywood and Indian Televisions' Daily soaps. Anyway this festival is opportunity for women to get together with the people they love, socialize with others, exchange gifts, and share mouth-watering food after starving for a day. So enjoy!!

What is "Solah Shringar"?

Word "Shringar" is made of 'Shri' which means "Lakshmi", the goddess of wealth, beauty, luck and prosperity. In India, elderly people who do not know name of new bride, call them "Lakshmi", so Lakshmi is common name of a bride who is considered to bring wealth and prosperity to the new family.It is generally related to Indian wedding which is one of the most significant and important day for a woman. It is the day that marks her transition into womanhood. But then comes the term SOLAH SHRINGAR. Honestly, everytime I used to hear the term "Solah Shringar", all I could make out is its theoratical meaning. Literally, 'Solah' means Sixteen 16 and 'Shringar' means makeup or adornments. Other than wedding, it is carried over on major festivals and religious activities. In old days, solah shringar was done on queens when queen has to go to court for public appearances or when king is returning after long battle. That is all we are told by elder women and that is how it is shown in movies. But other than that I had no clue and I am sure in today's generation not many knows what constitutes 'Solah Shringar'. So I did little research, especially because on Karwachauth women love to dress up like newly-weds; and here's what I found out.

Solah Shringar encompasses sixteen basic steps of beautification of a woman from head to toe. It details the process and also includes the guidelines on makeup accessories and ornaments. Solah Shringar is a ritual, passed down through ancient culture and is meant to adorn and bestow gifts of beauty on bride-to-be on her wedding day and on any special occasion after marriage.Since there are so many ornaments and accessories, there is no definitive agreement on which sixteen are part of this ritual

Pre-Shringar - The Divine Bath

The ceremony starts with divine bath of bride. In this process, first bride's hair is oiled with aromatic hair oil prevalent in India. Then hair is washed with mix of herbs like Brahmi, Shikakai, Aloe Vera, Bhringraj, Amla etc. A paste of oil, milk, turmeric powder, sandal wood powder, and gram flour and some fragrant herbs is applied in bride's hands, arms, legs and face. This is organic face & body scrub in India, known as Ubtan. Applying this home made body scrub is usually accompanied with music and singing . The bride takes a proper bath to wash off these herbs and comes out with radiant, aromatic skin. Needless to say, in modern day brides have plenty of choices for the big occasion with the help of paid beauticians but the Solah Shringar acknowledges and celebrates the beauty and divinity of the female form, in more natural way. There is a belief that certain ornaments and embellishments enhance the beauty of a woman giving her a celestial appearance.

From Head to Toe

1. Keshapasharachana - Kesh (hair) .pash (flock) .rachna (arrangement)

After the bath, hair were traditionally dried with smoke of aromatic oil and twined according to the latest style, wedding dress and in some parts of country according to tradition. Bride's hair is styled and adorned with jewellery and flowers (Gajra:Gajra is strings of flowers . It is made usually of jasmine and worn both on the bun and with the braid coiling). During the wedding it is respectful to keep hair tied and this would also accentuate bride's hair.

2. Mang-Tikka (mang-teeka)

Generally made of gold, silver and precious stones, Mang-tikka is worn in the center parting of the hair and it comes till fore head. The other type of Mang-tikka also have chain which is tied along the hairline of the hair. The allure of the bride is highlighted by this ornament. Mandoria is other regional hair ornaments which consists of a strand of pearls, tied across the forehead on either side and traditionally seen on a Maharashtrian brides. But now it gets flaunted by many brides, all around.

3. Bindi or tikka or tilak

The Bindi has a strong religious implication and is a sacred symbol of a married woman. Traditionally, it is the circular red dot of vermillion powder placed on the center of the forehead but brides may also decorate the bindi with red and white dots around the forehead and along the eyebrows. The bindi symbolizes dedication towards her husband or the resolve to the marital relationship.

4. Anjana or Kajal

Kajal is black eyeliner that is meant to highlight and accentuate a bride's beautiful eyes. Kajal was traditionally prepared from the soot of diya (earthen lamp) lit with a wick placed in clarified butter. Today many girls use a strong black pencil eyeliner to achieve the kohl look.

5. Nose Ring (Nath):

Nose ring is by far one of the most traditional and ethnic Indian looks. A nose ring consisting of clusters of pearls or other gems including diamonds is worn on the left nostril. In some areas of India the nose ring is never removed and thus, becomes another visible sign of a married woman. For special ceremonies and worships special nose rings is worn with a chain, which extends behind left ear.

6. Ear Ring ( Karn Phool or Jhoomars )

Ear rings may consist of elaborately decorated large round ornaments. The weight of these ornaments is often supported by a chain passing over the crown of the head. Some earrings hang from the lobe and end in a large elaborately decorated pendant. Other ornaments cover the entire ear.

7. Necklace (Haar, Mangal Sutra)

Necklaces of different lengths, some arranged like a collar or choker, are strung with pearls, gold pieces, and gold beads. Necklaces made from floral garlands are also worn by the bride. The most traditional haar is the mangalsutra, given by the husband on the wedding day. It is made of black beads.

8. Armbends or Armlets (Baaju-band)

Armlets worn on the upper arm, may be set with pearls or diamonds and made of gold or silver. The Mughal, Rajasthani or Jaipuri are the most popular designs of baajuband.

9. Bangles and Bracelets (Choodiyan)

Because they are considered the most visible sign of marriage, bangles or bracelets are another most important adornments worn by the bride. Bangles may be made of iron, ivory, green or red glass, ceramic, gold, and other metals depending upon the custom. Sikh and Punjabi brides add Kaleeras to the bangle set. It is said a new bride should not be cooking and cleaning in the husband's house when she first moves in, that is why she has all the bangles and Kalira on.

10. Mehndi or Henna

The hands and feet are covered with intricate mehndi designs made from henna. The resulting red color is considered to be auspicious because it has several emotional, sexual and fertility-related qualities. Henna signifies the essence of love and applied on the hands and feet of the bride, to strengthen that bond of love. Henna parties for the bride are one of the most special pre-wedding rituals today.

11. Rings and Hathphool (Flower of hand)

A bride wears eight rings in both her hands, which are attached with a central flower or medallion that covers the upper part of the hand called Hathphool. Of Hathphool, three of the chains pass to a bracelet and five to each of the fingers where they are secured by finger rings.

12. Aarsi

In some cases, the left hand thumb ring may contain a mirror, known as Aarsi.

Aarsi is the thumb ring which the bride wears. It mostly has mirror embedded on it and enable the bride to have a glimpse of herself as well as her life-partner because during wedding rituals bride has a veil and can not see face of her to be life partner.

13. Waistband ( Kamarband or Kardhani)

Kamarband is a beautifully designed gold or silver belt worn around the waist of the bride studded mostly with beautiful gems. The belt not just enhances the waist area but also helps in holding the Sari or Dress in place.

14. Anklets ( Payal)

A chain of silver with an edging comprising clusters of small bells attached is traditionally worn on both feet which make a pleasant sound as the feet of bride moves.

15. Toe Ring (Bichuas)

Toe rings may be simple or elaborate in design. Some toe rings have bells attached to them. Foot and toe ornaments may be constructed in a manner similar to the hathphul described above. Toe ring is mostly worn on the second toe of the left feet. The toe ring is also a symbol of marriage and is worn till the husband's death. In some places women apply mahur to draw a thick red line is drawn along the outer border of the foot. Mahur is a type of red color ink made out of some plants.

16. Sindoor (vermillion)

It should have been mentioned somewhere in top, but if we consider a bride-to-be this would come in last and with this she would be married I am mentioning it in the end. Sindoor is a red colored powder that is applied on the center parting of a bride hair. This is one of the sacred symbol of married woman (Suhaag) in India, just like ring in western countries. Girls do not put Sindoor before marriage. For the first time groom puts vermillion on bride's head during wedding rituals. In some Hindu culture it is mandatory to have Sindoor on married woman's head all the time.

So that was all, hope that would help you incorporate infamous"Solah Shringar" in your wedding and if you are already married, on special occasions, say today, on Karwachauth.

TIPS FOR KARWACHAUTH

While one is fasting, a lot of toxins are released from the body which makes one feel lethargic, moody or even grumpy due to lack of energy. So, for a healthy fasting it is important to be prepared a week ahead. Now I am very apologetic to bring these tips for you a little late but still I am, so that you could gear up better for the Karva Chauth next time. The following tips will help you to go through the day in a better way and will ensure that the fast does not leave you with any health issue.

Hydrate yourself well -

BEFORE- Starving yourself may leave you with some complications but dehydration definitely will. So it is very important that you prepre your body days before the fasting day. Drink plenty of water a day before, more than what you usually intake. This will hydrate you well and hopefully your body could cope up with no intake of water for a day. If you are hydrated well, than you can enjoy your day better. So fill up on H2O. In the morning before the fast begins, drink 2-3 glasses of lukewarm water. If the water is warm, it gets absorbed faster as it matches ambient body temperature. This is important so fuel up your reserves at the time of your sargi.

AFTER- Make sure to consume 3-4 glasses of liquids until you sleep to take care of any dehydration that has occurred in the course of the day. A glass of lemonade may also aid digestion at this time.

The sargi -

Coming onto the sargi, in the morning whileyou have it, try and avoid very sugary foods. If it's a must, have only a bit to taste or so. The principle is that sweet foods tend to aggravate hunger later in the day, therefore, avoid those hunger pangs by avoiding too much sweet. Home made paneer is a healthy option as it is high in protein and will therefore fill you up for longer.Go nutty as Consuming nuts such as almonds and walnuts as they make up your energy reserves for the day. These nutritious nuts are high in essential fats (linked to anti-ageing and lowering cholesterol) and are also high in protein, which will keep you satiated for longer.

Be a busy bee, Divert your attention

The way to not think about food is to keep yourself occupied throughout the day. Keep yourself busy with friends and family, low energy work or household chores to keep your attention diverted from the fact that you are not eating. A great way to spend some time with friends and relax completely, is to go to a spa together. Make sure that you do not go to places you go out to eat. If you are going for a movie, do not end up around food counters, this might make it more difficult. Try engaging in hobbies or read a book. There are so many options to keep yourself occupied, without straining yourself.

Breaking the fast

When you open your fast at night, make sure to not consume oily or spicy foods. This is because, the stomach's acidity is high at this time anyway due to lack of food or water all day. Instead, consume light food, high in good quality carbohydrates and protein to replenish the body's lost energy stores. Immediately after breaking the fast, it is generally observed that people drink tea but Tea/Coffee is a no-no. It is not a good idea as having tea on an empty stomach raises the acidity levels and causes stomach pain and uneasiness. Instead take a fizzy drink first and then eat something.Eat Yoghurt as it is a good option since it contains important minerals like potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins. Most important of all it contains good bacteria which helps in absorption of nutrients in the intestines after day long fasting.

Hope these tips will help you. Happy Karwachauth!! Stay Healthy Ladies!!!