First Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is of great importance for married Hindu women and this festival is also a big occasion for Newly married women, who are fasting for the 1st time, i.e. their first Karwa Chauth Fast. It is by far the most important fast for her & also for her family members. All relatives & immediate family members give a lot of importance to the new bride who is observing her 1st karwa chauth fast. She is showered with lots of gifts & blessings for a happy & successful married life. Gifts pour in from her maternal (mayka) side as well as in-laws (sasural).

Sargi
As is the tradition with many Hindu families, the ladies observing fast have to wake up early morning before sun-rise and have a lavish / sumptuous meal so that all day she is able to spend without food & water. This meal is known as Sargi. The 1st sargi is prepared by the Mother-in-law and is very elaborate which includes sweets, sevaiyan and other delighful delicacies. Mother-in-law blesses her daughter-in-law who is observing karwa chauth with blessings like “Sada Suhagan Raho”, meaning “May you be blessed with a happy & blissful married life”. She also gifts her with Sarees, Jewelry & Other Suhaag items (viz.. Sindoor, Bangles, Bindi, Bichue, Payal / Anklets).

Baya / Bayna
Just like Mother-in-law gifts various items in the form of Sargi, the daughter-in-law presents her mother-in-law with Baya or Bayna. When the girl is observing her 1st karwa Chauth, this Baya or Bayna come from her Mother's Home (Mayka). The 1st bayna usually consists of salted mathris, dry-fruits, sweets and gifts for all close family members. This Bayna is a little more special when the daughter is observing her first Karva Chauth. Mothers of newly wed daughters bring gifts for all her family members. Some utensils are also included in the baya which are to be distributed amongst women who join the newly-wed on her first Karva Chauth Puja.