Karwa Chauth 2023: Karwa Chauth, also known as Karak Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm nationwide. This year, the festival falls on November 1, where married women observe a day-long fast to ensure the safety and well-being of their husbands. Karwa Chauth is not just a religious observance but also a celebration that strengthens the bond between couples. On this special day, women don traditional attire, adorn their hands with henna, exchange gifts, and come together to enjoy the auspicious occasion.
In many regions, particularly among Punjabis, married women receive a pre-dawn meal known as ‘Sargi’ from their mothers-in-law. Here’s a closer look at the custom and significance of the Karwa Chauth fast.
What is Sargi?
Sargi is a pre-dawn meal traditionally prepared by mothers-in-law to bestow blessings upon their daughters-in-law, promoting a joyful and prosperous marriage. This custom is prevalent among women in northern India, specifically in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The ritual involves women waking up before sunrise, usually around 4-5 am, and partaking in a meal consisting of a variety of sweet and savory dishes to sustain them throughout the day without food or water. As part of the tradition, the mother-in-law presents her daughter-in-law with a thali (plate) filled with sweets, snacks, dried fruits, coconut, matthri, and various gifts like sarees and jewelry.
What Goes into the Sargi Thali?
Sargi consists of a selection of delectable foods believed to provide women with the sustenance they need to endure the day-long fast. Here’s what typically goes into the Sargi thali:
- Fruits: Fruits with high water content help keep women hydrated during the nirjala vrat (fast). Their fiber content also provides a feeling of fullness, reducing hunger pangs.
- Dry Fruits: Raisins, almonds, cashews, and pistachios are included for their nutritional value, offering energy to keep women active throughout the day.
- Sweets: Consuming something sweet at the start of an endeavor is considered auspicious, so a few sweets are part of the Sargi to uplift spirits and conclude the fast on a positive note.
- Lightly Cooked Foods: Generally, the Sargi thali contains light-cooked dishes that are both nutritious and filling, preventing sluggishness and lethargy during the day.
Importance of Sargi
The Sargi thali is considered a special assortment of food items and gifts, thoughtfully prepared by the mother-in-law. It symbolizes her blessings and love for her daughter-in-law, emphasizing the importance of this cherished tradition in fostering family bonds and marital harmony.
Karwa Chauth and the Sargi meal hold a deep cultural and emotional significance, bringing families and communities together in celebration of love and devotion.
