Karwa Chauth is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated by married women. The festive day is prominently observed in the northern and western parts of India. The day marks the devotion, sacrifice and love of married women for their husbands.

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From sunrise to moonrise, women on this day observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water. This day-long fast ends with the sighting of the moon in the evening. The fasting women pray to the moon, seeking the well-being and longevity of their husbands, and end the fast.

The festival features a range of rituals and prayers, including the preparation of a special meal called Sargi, which is carefully prepared by mothers-in-law.

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This year, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 20. According to Drik Panchang, the Karwa Chauth puja muhurat will take place from 5.46 pm to 7.02 pm. The Karwa Chauth upavasa time is from 6:25 AM to 7:54 PM on October 20.

Ahead of the festival, here is everything you need to know about the preparation, significance and food items to include in the Sargi thali.

Karwa Chauth 2024: What is Sargi?

The rituals of Karwa Chauth begin with an early morning prayer, followed by a pre-dawn meal called Sargi. This is one of the most important rituals that married women and their mothers-in-law observe before starting their fast.

Sargi is more than just a meal, it symbolizes the blessings and support that a mother-in-law offers her daughter-in-law, like on this special day. This aspect of the Karwa Chauth ritual is crucial in providing those who are fasting with essential nutrition to keep them healthy and energetic throughout the day.

Traditionally, the mother-in-law hands over the Sargi along with new clothes, matching jewelry, makeup items and other accessories to her daughter-in-law.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Meaning

For women who observe fasting, the ritual of Sargi is of great importance during Karwa Chauth. As part of this tradition, a mother-in-law prepares a special meal for her daughter-in-law before sunrise, which is consumed before sunrise.

The Sargi thali usually includes food and drinks along with items for solah shringar (16 decorations) and puja. This is considered a gesture of happiness and love for her daughter-in-law.

Moreover, fasting on Karwa Chauth is not only done for the well-being and longevity of the spouse but also for sons, grandsons, wealth and prosperity of the family.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Rituals

A day before Karwa Chauth, women apply mehndi on their feet and hands. In the early hours, the mother-in-law offers Sargi to her daughter-in-law. After taking a bath and offering the first prayers of Karwa Chauth, Sargi is consumed, followed by a day-long fast without food and water until the moon rises.

Then the married women dress like a bride with solah shringar and prepare for the puja. Later in the evening, women worship Goddess Parvati and recite the Karwa Chauth vrat katha.

Once the puja is completed, women wait for the rising of the moon to break the fast. After seeing the moon through a sieve or transparent cloth and similarly catching a glimpse of their husbands, married women offer water to the moon and break the fast by accepting water from their husbands. The couple then shares the meal prepared for the puja.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Food

Sargi thali consists of various products, ranging from sweets, fruits and savory dishes to curries, rice and roti. It is a filling meal prepared with love for the daughter-in-law to help her prepare for a day’s fasting.

• Fruits are an essential part of the Sargi thali as they keep the fasting women active and energetic throughout the day.
• A variety of dried fruits can also be added to the bowl.
• Mothers-in-law also take home-made sweets like laddoos, mathri, kheer or halwa in the Sargi thali.
• Whole wheat parathas or rotis should also be included in the thali.
• Lassi, buttermilk or coconut water help maintain hydration during the fasting period.
• A small portion of curd or raita can provide probiotics and aid digestion.

Foods to avoid in the Sargi thali

The Sargi thali is prepared using satvik food items only. While preparing food for the fasting women, garlic, onion and non-vegetarian items are strictly prohibited. Here are the foods you should avoid before fasting:

• Avoid drinking tea and coffee a day before Karwa Chauth as it can contribute to dehydration.
• Foods high in salt should be avoided to prevent dehydration.
• It is wise to abstain from foods with a high sugar content before beginning a fast, as this can cause feelings of hunger.
• Spicy or fried foods should be avoided to avoid bloating.