New Delhi: As the moonlit night of Karwa Chauth approaches, married women across India prepare for the sacred nirjala fast on October 10 (Friday), praying for their husbands’ long life and marital bliss.
Falling on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month, this festival transcends romance, beautifully highlighting the tender mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bond through rituals like Sargi and Bayana.
In a heartfelt tradition, the bahu offers Bayana to her saas post-puja or after breaking the silence, touching her feet for blessings of eternal prosperity. This gesture represents respect and affection, weaving deeper family ties.
What to gift? Opt for auspicious suhaag items promising unbroken good fortune:
Saree or Suit: A vibrant red, yellow, green, or pink ensemble to adorn her grace.
Bangles: Glass or lac ones in lucky hues, clinking symbols of joy.
Sindoor and Bindi: Core emblems of marital felicity, alongside kajal, combs, nail polish, and lipstick.
Mehendi/Alta: For adorning hands and feet in festive red.
Sweets and Dry Fruits: Traditional mithai or her favourites, paired with cashews, almonds, raisins, or pistachios.
Elevate with silver anklets or toe rings for suhaag vibes, a shagun envelope of cash, or puja essentials like a terracotta/brass karwa, diya, and new chunri.
The thali, central to the evening ritual, should be brimming with these treasures, artfully arranged to honour tradition.
As families gather under the stars, these gestures remind us that Karwa Chauth is as much about nurturing saas-bahu love as celebrating wedded harmony.