Karwa Chauth
>> Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Karwachauth 2009 is on 8-Oct-2009
Karwa Chauth is a day-long fast observed by the Married Hindu Women in India, mostly North India. On this day, the ladies observe a fast, praying for the long life, well being and prosperity of their husbands. They break their fast in the evening, after moonrise. It also provides an opportunity to all married women, to get close to their in-laws. Karwa Chauth is the festival which reflects joy, splendor, brightness and happiness of a married life. 
The festival of Karwa Chauth is symbolic of the unflagging loyalty of a wife towards her husband. It is celebrated nine days before Diwali, and exactly 10 days after Dussehra, on the fourth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. Married women, old and young, begin their fast on the day of Karva Chauth, well before sunrise (around 4 am), and have food and water only after seeing & worshiping the rising moon. 
In spite of being one of the toughest fasts, Karwa Chauth is the most awaited festival of the year and is welcomed by married woman with great fervor. For a newly-wed woman, karwachauth is particularly special, as they get decked up in their bridal lehnga choli, with all the solah shringaar (i.e. every adorning that symbolizes their marital status such as jewelry, bangles, henna, bindi.
Ladies receive gifts from their husbands and relatives on this day, as a gesture of their love and care. This year i.e. in 2009, karwachauth will be observed on 8th October.
