Karva Chauth is that special day when wives across India fast from sunrise to moonrise for the longevity of their husbands.
So much has been written about its traditional side that we here at Urbane Essence decided to bring in some fun and humor with due respect to those who fast. It's a beautiful tradition, but let’s be honest: it’s also a high-stakes game of love, patience, and sheer willpower – when it’s a game of women then it is always a dare to make it to the finish line, dressed in all the jewelry, finery and the mehendi cast hands.
The Preparation: Beware it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
The alarm buzzes at an ungodly hour. Women rise from their slumber like zombies, all ready to devour parathas, fruits, and maybe small livestock! A meal fit for a Queen because the next meal would be after almost sixteen hours, and also depending on the mood of the moon.
The puja thali is a big part of this ritual. It's like preparing an art exhibition with designs, arrangements of the day, flowers, sweets, etc just has to be something that matches up to the movies made by Dharma. The fact with sprinkles of drama!
The Fasting: A Lesson in self-control, as the mind plays games
The sun rises and the fasting begins and eating now has to stop. A challenge in more ways than one, especially if you are cooking for the family. Its control with a capital C. Staring at a fridge with food when you can hear your stomach growling. Even that carrot looks delicious and your kid rustling with a bag of chips is a siren that lures you into the world of temptation – the devil at work!
She asks herself – should I be doing this? Modern day thought, yet traditions keep pulling you back into a loop. It's like the pantry, pan, and everything edible is plotting against her.
The Evening Build-Up: Anticipation at its peak; sunset never looked so beautiful!
As evening falls, the wait intensifies. She dons her best drape and wears bridal jewelry, and the henna on her palms is now dark red. The husband, probably watching TV and munching stuff, feels obligated to offer compliments. It is the least he can do on a day that she is fasting for his long life.
Friends gather, sharing stories and tips on how to endure the night. A bit of spiritually themed songs, a bit of the woman talk, a bit of sharing the good part of their lives, which anyway was showcased on Facebook, and yes, most will not admit but they can hear their growling tummies as the mind dreams of a plateful of delicious biryani to devour. “Remember, it’s all about love”, a whisper from within brings them back to singing and sharing.
The Moon Sighting: The drama in Dharma style!
Finally, the moon too feels sorry and shows off its rounded glitter high above the sky. The sprint now is like reaching for an Olympic medal. The niceties first – puja, prayer, and having the first morsel from the hands of the husband – it's then a full-on attack onto the table laden with food, sweets, and everything delicious. Relief to the heart, mind, and soul as food is consumed like never before.
Husbands, meanwhile, brace themselves for the post-fast feeding frenzy. This is their moment to shine or be treated as the most important person around. He might as well enjoy these few moments because this is not going to last forever. If his conscious pricks – he is human if not he is a ‘husband’.
The Afterparty: Love and Laughter
After a day of hunger and devotion, couples sit together as a family sharing food, laughter, music, and banter. The next day to a great extent, at least for the woman is a day when the test of love, endurance, and ability to appreciate a good meal comes to the forefront.
So, as the moon shines down on all those fasting wives and their slightly bewildered husbands, remember: Karva Chauth isn’t just about fasting; it’s about humor, love, and maybe a little bit of sweet revenge when you finally get to eat!
What is life without a bit of laughter, jokes, humor, and teasing? It adds spice to life and everyday rituals. Karva Chauth is a day when few follow traditions, others hold love and respect for their partners in their way while some decide to just look the other way. To each their own. Enjoy the moment, color, vibrance, and flavor, and respect everyone for their actions that are traditionally steered or emotionally charged.
Urbane Essence brings you your special drape for this special day. However you wish to celebrate it, the fact that you are a woman calls for celebrations not just a day of the year but all through life. Find your uniqueness in your unique drape. We have just what you want and the way you want it.
Visit www.myurbane.com to add that extra zing to the blessing of being born a woman!
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