Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is an event observed by the married Hindu women seeking the blessings of God for their husband's long life. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin.

Karwa Chauth is popular among the newly weds by keeping fast, applying henna and exchanging gifts.

On this day the women get up before sunrise and worship Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya and the moon. The fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon at night. The married woman receives the baya or a basket full of goodies from her mother, which is meant for the mother-in-law.

This festival is celebrated once in a year to renew the relationship between god-friends (god-sisters). It is festivated throughout North India in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat and Delhi.