What is Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik. Married women keep a day-long fast, often without water, and pray for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands. Today many couples fast together.
The rituals
The day begins before sunrise with sargi, a meal traditionally given by the mother-in-law. In the evening, women dress in their finest, apply mehendi, gather for the Karwa Chauth katha and perform puja with a decorated karwa (clay pot).
Breaking the fast
The fast ends after moonrise. The woman looks at the moon through a sieve, then at her husband, and he offers her the first sip of water and bite of food.