First Karwa Chauth

The Karwa Chauth is a popular Hindu festival that is considered greatly significant, especially for North-Indian
married Hindu women. On this occasion, a 'vrat' or fast is religiously observed till the moon-rise, by the married Hindu
women, desiring long-lives, success, health, safety and happiness for their husbands. For the new bride, her first
Karwa Chauth is the most memorable event of her life. Everyone in the family will care and treat the new bride
special, as this day truly marks her love and respect for her husband. The family members shower her with blessings
and gifts on this special day. This festival falls on the fourth day of the dark moon, in the month of Karthik and 9 days
before the festival of Diwali. Karwa Chauth is backed by a story about a devoted wife Karwa who saved her husband.
This story is narrated by a member in the family. Read on to know more about first Karwa Chauth.

Rituals
The First Sargi
Sargi is a meal prepared by the mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law, to consume before the dawn of Karwa Chauth.
This meal includes sweets and other delicious eatables. The mother-in-law blesses her daughter-in-law saying sada
sukhi raho, the blessing to remain happy always, when the daughter-in-law touches her feet. The daughter-in-law is
then presented with traditional jewelry and sari.

The First Baya
On Karwa Chauth, the mother-in-law receives gifts from her daughter-in-law's mother. Gifts are also given to all the
married female members of the husband's family. The baya consists of salted mathris, dry fruits, saris and utensils.

Puja Celebrations
The preparations for Puja are made for the evening of Karwa Chauth. Everyone in the family, especially, the women
will be present for the Puja. The new bride, on her the first Karwa Chauth, is adorned with heavy bridal dress,
ornaments and cosmetics. After taking blessings from all the elder women in the family, she distributes the baya gifts
to all the women.

Karwa Chauth Gifts From Husband
The husband of the new bride, showers her with many grand gifts, generally these gifts are meant to last a lifetime.
These gifts are given in exchange for the new bride's vrat and prayers.

On this day, the markets are crowded with food items, utensils, accessories, jewelry, henna and beautiful saris. The
first Karwa Chauth is an exceptionally important occasion for the new bride as an opportunity to strengthen the
eternal bond between husband and wife.