~ Hindu Festivals ~

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Janmashtami Puja

Janmashtami is celebrated across different parts of India and the world, with fun and fervor. The festival honors the birth of Lord Krishna, who was born on the eighth day of Sravana month, which corresponds to August-September as per the Gregorian calendar. Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born in the Dwaparyug with an aim to kill the demon King Kansa and restore harmony and peace in the world. The deity is one of the favorites of Hindus. Lord Krishna is personified as a friend, a guide, a lover or as a child, by his devotee. Janmashtami is an important day for the devotees of Lord Krishna, as the festival celebrates his birth.

The merrymaking is marked by colorful cultural programs and puja. Special pujas are conducted in many Lord Krishna temples of India, as well as homes, as a part of the celebrations. The pooja is done to invoke Lord Krishna and seek his blessings, on the wonderful festival of Janmashtami. While the main puja, including aarti, is conducted in the midnight of the festival, people also organize puja during the daytime, wherein mantras of Lord Krishna are chanted, bhajans and songs are sung.

Janmashtami Pooja

Puja Items
Janmashtami puja is done using the items that are required especially for the festival. It is believed that each puja item has a significance. This is primarily because of the fact that in order to worship the deity in a traditional way, all the puja items are required. Therefore, nothing should be missed out from the list of puja items for Janmashtami. Some of the very important puja items for Krishna Janmashtami include a puja thali, bell, diya (earthen lamp), rice, cardamom, betel nuts (pan supari), beetle leaves, roli, small container (lota) filled with Gangajal, honey, vermilion (sindoor), incense sticks, flowers and clarified butter (ghee). Apart from this, one also requires new clothes and jewelry for the deity as well as a small cradle. The items needed to make the Panchamrit include Gangajal, honey, ghee, milk and yogurt.

Process
Special puja is conducted at Lord Krishna temples on Janmashtami. The puja for the festival usually begins early in the morning, when a sacred bath is given to the idol of baby Krishna, using the holy water of Hindus - Ganga jal (water collected from River Ganga). After bathing, the idol is adorned with new clothes (that are decked with precious stone) that are made especially for embellishing it on the auspicious occasion. Yellow, orange and red may be the color of the clothes. Thereafter, the idol is clad with jewelry. The holy place is illuminated with diyas, while the devotees chant mantras and sing bhajans, praising Lord Krishna. Next, the idol is swung in a cradle, during which conches are blown. When the entire pooja is over, the devotees break their fast by having 'panchamrit'. Thereafter, the prasad is distributed among the devotees.

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Janmashtami In Mathura

Janmashtami is celebrated throughout the country with immense zeal and fervor in order to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The celebration of Janmashtami is at its apex at the birth place of Lord Krishna i.e in Mathura. The city is about 145 kms from the national capital of India, New Delhi. It is said that it was one of the midnights of a Sharvan day, when Lord Krishna was born in the Rohini Nakshatra as the savior of humanity. Historians depict that this incident happened five thousand years back in the prison of the Demon King Kansa in Mathura. However, the holy land of Mathura still commemorates this pious and fortunate incident by grand celebration on this occasion.

The grand celebration at Mathura takes place at the actual birth place of Lord Krishna, which has now been rechristened into a grand temple known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Inside this temple, the statue of Lord's idol is placed in a room also known as the ‘Garbha Griha’. Here in Mathura, people celebrate all the Janmasthami celebrations at this temple. They religiously decorate the temple and their home in order to welcome their deity.

The celebration goes on for two days, in which they celebrate their first day by keeping day-long fast and celebrations and feast at midnight after the birth time of Bhagwan Krishna. The second day is also the day of celebratiosn and feasting. The entire city of Mathura is immersed in the devotion of Lord Krishna by singing, dancing and chanting in the names of Lord Krishna. It is expected that every year about 8 lakhs devotees turn up in Mathura on this occasion and the number is increasing day by day.

Janmashtami Celebrations

Krishna-Janmotsava (Midnight celebrations)
The midnight celebration is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It comprises of Pooja and other rituals. During the Pooja, the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with milk and curd (panchamrit) and then rocked in the cradle. It is said that if you make any holy wish while cradling Lord Krishna with full heart, it is certain to be fulfilled. The entire Mathura city of Mathura gets immersed in the devotion of Krishna and the echoes of Krishna bhajan and bells. Lord is here fed with prasad of ‘Chhapan Bhog’ (Fifty six dishes). Later the devotees break their fast with these ‘bhog’ and panchamrit.

Performance of Rasleelas
The entire city of Mathura is then flooded with performance of the Rasleelas of Krishna by professional and amateur artists. Some of them are so mesmerizing that the devotees get overwhelmed with their devotion for Lord Krishna.

Jhanki (Tableau)
A Jhanki is a series of scenes depicting the various phases of one’s life. In a Krishna Jhanki, the different stages of the life of Lord Krishna are shown all over the Mathura. They include interesting incidents like - Janmlila, Shankarlila, Putanalila and Naglila.

Jhulanotsav
It is only in the Mathura City that during Jhulanotsav, the swings are hanged in courtyard of temples and all the houses to welcome baby Lord Krishna. The swings are decorated with beautiful flowers and bells to give a festive look.

Ghatas
The celebration of Sri Krishna's birth in Mathura is incomplete without Ghatas. It is a month-long exclusive feature, wherein all the temples of Mathura are adorned with the same color as per the selected theme. Even the idol of Lord Krishna is decorated with the same color.

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History of Janmashtami

Celebrated on the eighth day of Savana month, Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated across the length and breadth of India, by people following Hinduism. In fact, it is an important day for Hindus. The celebration goes on for two days. On the first day, the Raslila (dance drama) is performed, which depicts the important phases of Shri Krishna's life. The merrymaking reaches it peak at midnight stroke, when aarti is performed and bhajans are sung to praise the Lord. Small children are dresses as the young Krishna and his playmate Radha. Then there are folklores and stories which are recited on the occasion, they are generally connected to the history of Janmashtami, which can be traced back to the ancient era.

The history of Janmashtmi dates back to thousand years. There are also several legends and stories associated with this festival. If you start exploring the origin of the festival, you will end up listening to thousands of folklores related to Krishna and his birth. It is believed that Lord Krishna was the incarnation of Vishnu, one of the three most important Hindu Gods. It is commonly believed that he took birth for killing Kansa, the unreligious demon king of Mathura and other demons, to establish a kingdom of peace, prosperity and religion on earth and to spread the message of brotherhood and humanity.

In his preaching to Arjuna in the Holy Bhagvad Gita he says ‘Whenever the balance of the universe is disturbed by external interference from any of its parts, then I reveal myself as the Power of eternal balancing. For the protection of those who are in harmony, and the rectification of everything disharmonious, I incarnate myself at every juncture of time.’ So, it is assumed that the form of God will return back on earth for the establishment of peace, religion and prosperity in society once again when required. The celebration of Janmashtami is also a way to commemorate his holy deeds on earth for the mankind.

Historians calculate that the birth of Lord Krishna goes back to the Dwapar Yug. It is in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC when Lord Krishna was born. He was born on a dark, stormy night on the day eight day of the second fortnight of the month of Shravana which now corresponds to the month of August-September in the Gregorian calendar. Born in the prison of Demon Kansa, from Kansa’s sister Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna was declared to be the savior of mankind and the end of Kansa even before his birth. Krishna, right from the day of birth exhibited that he was a special child and there was extraordinary powers with him. Throughout his childhood and adolescence in Gokul, he did many things which made people believe that he was a form of God. Since then, the people of Nandgaon celebrated the birth of Krishna as a day of fortune.

Even thousands of years after his heavenly abode, people observe this day as a day of fortune and commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna by fasting and feasting. People believe Krishna to be the ultimate savior of the world. One who unlike other gods, can be regarded, as a lover, friend, divine guru or one’s own child. People mesmerized with Krishna’s persona and deeds can be seen singing and dancing in the name of Krishna to eternity on the day of Janmashtami. It is the deep faith and devotion of people towards him that the festival is still celebrated with a great honor, joy as well as elation as it was celebrated thousands of years back.

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Janmashtami Fast

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. Colorful cultural programs all conducted all through the day, while in the midnight, aarti is performed and bhajans praising Lord Krishna are sung. A number of cultural programs are organized all through the day, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Small children are dressed in Lord Krishna and his playmate Radha's costumes, during the cultural programs. In addition to this, Raslila (dance drama) is conducted by various communities. The dance drama depicts some of the important phases of Shri Krishna, with special emphasis on the days spent by him in Gokul.

People indulge in making delicious recipes to savor on, after worshipping Lord Krishna. Sweets and desserts are the most preferred dishes, because Lord Krishna was known for his sweet tooth. This is the reason why most of the dishes prepared on Janmashtami are sweet. Moreover, many people observe a fast during the day, as a part of the celebrations. Certain diet is formulated for fasting, which is considered auspicious, when observed on the ceremonious occasion. Also known as Upavasa, fasting originated as a part of the offering that one could give to Lord Krishna, on his birthday - Krishnashtami.

Types Of Fast

Nirjal Fast
The ardent followers of Lord Krishna celebrate Janmashtami by observing Nirjal fasts, which literally means starvation. They would not consume even a drop of water, all through the day of Janmashtami. The fast is broken only in the midnight, when aarti is performed and prasad are offered to the deity. It is believed that nirjal fasts would help them get closer to the Almighty.

Phalahar Fast
Phalahar vrat is another type of fast observed on Krishna Janmashtami. This is somewhat lenient than the nirjal fast, because the person can consume milk and fruits during phalahar vrat. However, they refrain from cereals and other kinds of food stuff. The fast is broken in the midnight, after Janmashtami Puja. During both the types of Janmashtami fast, people pass their time by singing bhajans of Lord Krishna and chant mantra.

Food For Janmashtami Fast
Since Lord Krishna is particularly fond of milk, a variety of dishes using milk and its products are made during the fast. Sweets like Peda, Shrikhand, Kalakand, Vella Seedai, Neyyappam are prepared by the devotees, to offer to Lord Krishna. Sweet dishes including desserts (preferably kheer) are made at the time, when people observe fast. However, they would not consume the sweet dishes or any other food unless and until they have been offered to Lord Krishna. They would consume the mouthwatering delicacies only after breaking the fast, during the midnight of ashtami.

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Janmashtami Decorations

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Krishna who was born as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Dwapar Yug. It is celebrated on the eight day of the second fortnight of the Sravana month according to the Hindu calendar. This day corresponds to the August-September month of the Gregorian calendar. Lord Krishna who was born to proud parents Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura spent his entire childhood and most of his adolescence in Gokul. Right from his birth, he exhibited his extraordinary powers and thus his birthday was celebrated as the day of fortune in the country even thousands of years back.

Krishna was born as the savior of religion and promoter of mankind on earth. Thus, unlike other God Krishna became more of a friend and guide to most of his devotees. He in his life time also emerged as a promoter of brotherhood and friendship owing to his relation with Arjuna. Devotees of Krishna thus regard him as the ultimate deity, a god in all forms and commemorate his earthy presence by the celebration of Janmashtmi. On this day, the fasting and feasting at their home go hand in hand. During the two days celebration in the Janmostva of Krishna, they decorate their house and temples with flowers and decorate the cradle of Lord Krishna similar to ambience of heaven in order to welcome the Lord.

Krishna Janmashtami Decorations

Krishna Sculptures & Cradle
The statue of Lord Krishna and his cradle is decorated to the best in the Janmashtmi. The statue is decorated is bathed in panchamrit (honey, Gangajal and ghee) and decorated with new bright clothes and garlands. The cradle of Krishna is decorated with marigold and rose flowers and adorned with different kinds of bells and torans.

Wall & Door Hangings Of Lord Krishna
There are people who do not establish idols of the Lord rather decorate their home with the wall and door hangings with pictures of Lord Krishna pasted over them. Some people also decorate their home through using popular Janmashtmi symbols like flute, peacock feather etc. These decorative items create an ambience of the existence of Lord Krishna in their home.

Temple Decorations
During Janmashtami, temples of Lord Krishna are beautifully decorated. Generally, the temples are decorated with natural flowers and the tableaus depicting popular incidents from Lord Krishna's life. The grandeur of the decoration of Janmashtmi at Dwarakadheesh temple in Mathura is worth watching.

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Janmashtami Date

Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the reincarnations of Lord Vishnu born in the Dwapar Yug. The festival is celebrated throughout the country with immense zeal and gusto. Devotees of Lord Krishna all over the country observe fasting on this day. Though the celebrations of the festival differ a little in terms of rituals and traditions from place to place, the overall celebrations of the Janmashtami every where is full of zeal and enthusiasm. Colorful Pandals and temples decorated with beautiful idols of Krishna make the festival look like a beautiful celebration of joy all over the world.

Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, one of the most popular Hindu God also known as ‘Makhanchor’ and ‘Kanha’. Lord Krishna was born to King Vasudev and Mata Devki in the prison of Kansa, a demon king on a dark, stormy and windy night when moon entered the house of Vrishabha in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) to end the rule of ‘adharma’ (unreligious forces) and establish peace, prosperity and religion on the earth. His preaching in Bhagvad Geeta, the holy text of Hindu religion is still a guiding light for the followers of the religion.

Thus as per the birth of Lord Krishna, Janmashtmi is celebrated on the eighth day of the second fortnight, in the month of Sravana every year. According to Barhapatyamana, the month of Sravana corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha and the month of Mid-August to Mid-September in the Gregorian calendar. According to estimation by some historians, Lord was born in the year of Visvavasu, appx. 5,227 years ago.

Now the birth festival of Lord Krishna is celebrated for over two days as ‘Rohini Nakshatra’ and ‘Ashtami’ may not fall on the same day. So the first day of the celebration is named as Krishnashtami and the the second day is known as Kalashtami. The day of Krishnashtami falls on the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan, generally in the month of August.

The celebrations of Janmashtmi takes place only at the midnight of Krishnashtami as the birth Sri Krishna took place on the conjunction point of both the days. Lot of hymns, arti, bhajans takes place and the rocking the cradle of Lord is done as a sign of his arrival. His idol is then bathed with milk, ghee, honey and Gangajal. He is also offered ‘bhog’ i.e. all the scrumptious ‘satvik’ (pure) food item that have been prepared by devotees all day long. Later all this is distributed amongst the devotees as ‘prasada’. It is the time when devotees open their fast by consuming the holy prasada.

Janmashtami 2012 - 10 August.

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Janmashtami Around The World

Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated with pomp and gaiety by Hindus all over India. The festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Apart from India, the Hindus residing in other countries also celebrate the festival with equal enthusiasm. Initially, in foreign countries, the culture centric festivals like Janmashtami were celebrated on a very small scale with limited number of cultural programs. Over the passing years, different groups and religious communities are coming up in foreign countries to solemnize and enjoy the Hindu festivals in a great way. Whether it is USA, Canada, Nepal or Malaysia, Lord Krishna is invoked everywhere on Janmashtami.

Janmashtami Celebrations Around The World

Janmashtami In India
In India, Janmashtami is celebrated with fun and fervor. The festivities extend to six days or a week in some of the famous Lord Krishna temples located in Mathura and Vrindavan. People observe fast (either nirjal or phalahar) during the day time and break it at the midnight stroke of the eighth day of Savana month, when Lord Krishna was born. Cultural programs are organized by various committees. Sri Krishna Raslila, the dance drama depicting the important phases of the deity's life, is one of the highlights of the cultural programs. Mouthwatering sweets made of milk and milk products are served during the festival.

Janmashtami In USA
Since USA is home to a commendable population of Indians, important Indian festivals are solemnized with great enthusiasm. Krishna Janmashtami is a grand affair in the country. The celebrations start early in the morning. Like in India, the idol of baby Krishna is put in a cradle and conches are blown in the midnight, to honor the birth of the deity. During the daytime, people enjoy the festival by feasting. They visit the nearest temple to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. Colorful events and cultural programs are organized in the daytime, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The celebrations of Janmashtami in New York, Massachusetts, Orlando and California are worth watching.

Janmashtami In Nepal
Being the only Hindu kingdom in the world, Nepal is well known for the celebrations of Hindu festivals. A number of followers of Lord Krishna are residing in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. On the festival, a congregation of devotees offers prayers in the ancient Krishna temple located in old Patan Durbar Square, to honor the birth of Lord Krishna. The name of the deity is chanted. According to a customs, the devotees offer flowers, food and coins to Lord Krishna. The temple is filled with festivity and the rhythmic sound of mantras and songs that praise Lord Krishna, one of the favorite deities of Hindus.

Janmashtami In Canada
Janmashtami in Canada, especially Toronto, is recognized worldwide. The Indian community living in the country rejoices the birth of Lord Krishna with fun and fervor. The Hindu temple located in Richmond Hill organizes various cultural programs to commemorate the auspicious occasion. The air is filled with festivity and the sound of prayers and chanting of mantras. It is a day long affair in Canada and an important day for the Indian residents to meet and interact with other people of the community. The temple society organizes colorful programs, one of the prominent being musical concerts that promotes Janmashtami in Canada. The concert ensures maximum footfall of Indians living in Canada.

Janmashtami In France
In France, preparations for Janmashtami begin a couple of days prior to the festival. Located markets are flooded with decorating items that are used as embellishments for the local Hindu temples. Since a large chunk of Indian population is living in Paris, the capital city of France, Janmashtami celebrations in the city is worth watching. There, people visit temples to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The merrymaking begins in the evening and continues until midnight. At midnight stroke, the baby idol of Lord Krishna is given a ceremonious bath with Gangajal (pure water of River Ganga), which is especially transported from India for the festival. After worshipping the deity, people relish on lip smacking delicacies that are prepared as prasad.

Janmashtami In Singapore
A land of diverse cultures, Singapore is known for its appreciation for the Hindu festivals celebrated by Indians. Seragoon Road is the busiest street during Janmashtami, when the shops that sell baby Krishna idols and other puja items are adorned with lots of decorations. Religious processions are carried out to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Shree Lakshmi Narayan Temple located at Chander Road, Singapore, is well known for the celebrations of Janmashtami. The maximum number of Hindu population can be seen at the temple, during the festival. The 'Krishna Chanting competition' is one of the unique features of the celebrations of Janmashtami in Singapore.

Janmashtami In Malaysia
Although Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country, a commendable population of Indian Hindus resides in the country. The celebration of the festival is at its peak at the Lord Krishna Temple in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. Janmashtami is a day-long affair in the capital city, where maximum people of the Indian community gathers to take part in the merrymaking. A number of rituals that are followed in India can be seen in the city. There, the baby idol of Sri Krishna is given a holy bath in the midnight of Janmashtami. Thereafter, food offerings made to Lord Krishna (Prasad) are distributed among the devotees. The temple resounds with the chanting of mantras.

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Janmashtami Legends

Janmashtami is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by Hindus all over India, to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Also referred to as Krishnashtami, the festival falls on Rohini nakshatra of Savana month. The celebration revolves around the story of the birth of Lord Krishna. Special Janmashtami puja is organized on the day. People enjoy cooking mouthwatering food, to celebrate the birth of their favorite deity. Small children are dressed like the young Krishna and his playmate Radha. Songs are sung to praise Lord Krishna. At times, story of Lord Krishna is also recited during cultural programs. If you want to know the interesting story of Lord Krishna, read the article.

Krishna Janmashtami Legends

Kansa
According to the legends, Kansa was a mighty and discourteous prince of Mathura. His father Ugrasen had chosen Vasudev, one of the highly ranked officials in his army, as the groom for his daughter - Devki (Kansa's sister). Agreeing to the decision, Kansa arranged a lavish wedding for his only sister. When Kansa was riding on a chariot along with the newly wed couple - Devki and Vasudev - a heavenly voice interrupted the journey. It predicted that Devki's eighth son would kill Kansa. Upon hearing the prophesy, the self-centered Kansa imprisoned the newly wed couple.

Apart from imprisoning Devki and Vasudev, Kansa also put his own father (the King of Mathura) behind bars. Consequently, Kansa took over as the King of Mathura. He waited until the arrival of the Devki's first child. The moment Kansa heard the news of the birth of Devki's first child; he headed towards the prison ferociously, got hold of the newborn and killed the child. The following six newborns of Devki were killed by Kansa in similar manner. When she was about to give birth to her eighth child, a heavenly voice commanded Vasudev to take the newborn to Gokul and exchange it with the newborn girl child of Nanda and Yashoda.

Birth Of Lord Krishna
The guards of the prison had fallen into deep slumber. They were unable to inform their master about the birth of Devki's eighth child. The shackles and the prison gate opened miraculously and Vasudev stepped out of the prison with the newborn, carried in a small basket. In the midnight, Vasudev carried the newborn in the basket and traveled through the waters of stormy Yamuna River. Since it was raining heavily, a huge snake known as Adisesha with its 2000 hoods, glided behind the father and the newborn, in order to act as a protective canopy for the divine child. When Vasudev returned from Gokul, the shackles fastened automatically, the doors of the prison closed and the guards woke up.

Upon hearing the news of the birth of Devki's eighth child, Kansa went to the cell and got hold of the newborn. Ironically, the child slipped out of his stranglehold and appeared as Goddess, laughing at him. She vanished after telling that the eighth son of Devki (Lord Krishna) had already born and was safe elsewhere. Lord Krishna grew up at Gokul as a mischievous prankster who was the heartbeat of Gokul and the favorite of Gopikas. He grew up as a lovable brat, who played around mischievously and looted fresh Makhan (homemade butter) from every household of Gokul. Year by year, people in Mathura, Gokul and elsewhere in India celebrate the birth of the favorite deity - Lord Krishna on the eighth day (asthami) of Savan month and name it as Janmashtami or Krishnashtami.

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Karwa Chauth Customs

Karwa Chauth is one of the most awaited festivals of North India, which is celebrated by the married women mainly. On this day, they keep a fast for the long life, well being and prosperity of their husband. Karwa chauth reflects joy, splendor, brightness and happiness of a married life. Thus, things that symbolize and reflect the marital status of a woman, such as jewelry, bangles, henna, bindi, and lehnga choli, are in high demand on this special occasion. The festival also brings people together and provides them an opportunity to socialize with friends and family members, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. Let us explore the customs of karva chauth in detail.

Karwa Chauth Rituals & Traditions

Sargi
The preparations for karva chauth start the day before the festival. Brides get beautifully wrapped baskets with the sargi (the food to be eaten before sunrise) from their mother-in-law. The fasting women of the neighborhood get together before sunrise, to eat the sargi, which mainly consists of thirst-quenching foods, like fruits, along with a main course of potatoes eaten with hot puris (a deep-fried Indian bread). Traditionally, a newly wed woman spends the day before the fast in her mother’s house and comes to her mother-in-law’s house only on the day of karwa chauth.

Baya
On karwa chauth, married women wear bright and beautiful clothes, heavy jewelry and bangles. They also get intricate patterns drawn, with henna, on their palms and feet. Traditionally, it is the mother who usually sends baya, which includes sweets, money, clothes and a karva (small earthen pitcher), to their married daughters’ houses. In the evening, the mother-in-law or any elderly women of the house accepts the baya, given to them by the younger married women of the family. Thus, the festival of karva chauth involves not only the married women, but other members of the household as well.

Puja
The women of the neighborhood usually gather in someone’s house and perform the puja together, in the evening. A small area is prepared for the ceremony, which can be performed in any part of the house as well as in the open. A small square platform is placed against the wall and kharia matti (powdery mud) is used to cleanse and to decorate the puja area. An idol of Gaur Mata, or Goddess Parvati (the consort of Lord Shiva), is placed on the consecrated spot. Traditionally, the tiny image of Gaur Mata was made from cow dung, though nowadays pictures or idols of Parvati are the norm.

Story
About an hour before moonrise, the women place their bayas and their karvas in a plate and sit around the puja area to pray, while an elderly lady narrates a tale about a young woman who, by an unfortunate twist of fate, was tricked into breaking her fast before moonrise. Her husband dropped dead the very instant his wife broke her fast. Enraged at the deception that led to her husband’s death, the girl implored Gaur Mata to resurrect her husband.

The husband finally came back to life after a period of seven karva chauths. The wife, with her unflinching love for her husband and belief in Goddess Parvati, achieved the ‘impossible’. While the story is read out to everyone, the women exchange their respective karvas, till each one gets her own karva back. During this time, they also chant the following prayer ,which is for the well being of the husband and for marital bliss:

"Addey-addey Krishna pakshe var
Tith Karva Chauth
Manse hain apne suhag ke liye
Yeh karva, mattri, halwa, sari, nagdi
Apne suhag ka liye rani ka sa raj dena
Gaur ka sa suhag dena Shri Krishna nimant."

The puja ends with the women showering rice and vermilion on Parvati and seeking her blessings. The younger women touch the feet of the elders, seek their blessings and offer their baya to them.

Breaking The Fast
In the evening, the women see the moon, while carrying a plate decorated with lit earthen lamps and a container of water. The moon is seen through a fine mesh or sieve. Water is offered to the moon, followed by some food women. Though the women are allowed to break their fast after they see the moon, it is preferred if they can also see the faces of their husbands before they eat or drink. So, the married men scurry back home from work as soon as possible, on this day. Thereafter, the family sits down for a grand meal and the celebration comes to end.

[MysteRy]

Karwa Chauth Mehndi

Karwa chauth is an important festival for married women, dedicated to their husband's long life and prosperity. The rituals start one day before the festival, when the mother-in-law gives 'sargi' to her daughter-in-law. Sargi consist of mehndi, sindoor, bindi, red ribbon, coconut, saviya, sweets, almonds, etc. Henna or mehndi forms an important part of karva chauth and applying it on hands and feet is considered to be auspicious for married women. It is also said that the darker the color of mehndi is, the more love and care a woman will get from her husband.

Karwa chauth is one of the occasions when the henna business is at its peak. There are various ways of applying henna paste. On this day, each and every married woman gets henna designs made on her hands and, in some cases, feet as well. The women use toothpick or cones for the purpose, according to their convenience. Using cone is the best method, as they are disposable, less messy and inexpensive too. The best part is that these cones can be easily made at home, by following simple steps. If you want to explore the process of making cones as well as applying mehndi, check out the following lines.

How To Make Mehndi Cones

Supplies Needed

Small Freezer Bags (one will make 2 cones)

Scissors

Scotch Tape

Rubber Band

Method:

Cut the freezer bag into squares. The size you make the cones is up to you, but do not make it too big or it will be hard to handle.

Generally, the cones are made of 6" squares. Use a straight edge to make sure your corners are 90 degrees, as it will help in actual folding of cone.

Make a funnel shape out of the square. Do it very carefully as the plastic is very slippery and you will want to wrap the square around itself in such a way that it completely overlaps (leaving no open spaces for the paste to squeeze out).

At the same time, leave a small hole at the bottom of the funnel, just large enough to allow the paste to squeeze out without difficulty. This might take some practice.

After you get the funnel exactly how you want it to be, tape the side edges where the plastic overlaps. Be careful not to move the plastic when you do this, or you will have to start over again. It is better to keep a few small pieces of tape ready instead of trying to get it from the dispenser at this time.  Now tape all the way from the bottom to the top of the funnel.

How To Apply Mehndi

Make a smooth henna paste so that there is no debris and has a mud-like firmness.

Now take a plastic cone, having a fine key-hole at the end and pour the paste into the cone.

Tie the broader end with a rubber band.

Gently squeeze the paste on the palm and start making patterns or designs that you like.

After you have applied the design, keep the palm horizontal and let the patterned-paste rest on it till dry. In fact, leave it on for as long as it takes to acquire deep color.

Dab a piece of cotton in sugar and lemon solution and apply lightly on the designs, so it further darkens to a reddish-brown hue that can last for weeks. Do it when it is almost dry.

After 2-4 hours, remove the mehndi and apply mustard oil to it so that it becomes dark.

Don't wash your hands with water for at least 12 hours.

[MysteRy]

Karwa Chauth Legends

Karwa Chauth is the festival that holds a lot of significance for married Hindu women, who keep a fast for the long life of their husband, on this day. Though the basic aim behind the festival remains the same, the particular customs and rituals may vary a bit, depending on the region to which the women belong. Karva chauth has a tremendous social and cultural significance in India. It has a rich background and has several stories related to its existence. Some of the popular stories and legends associated with the festival have been described below:

Story Of Queen Veeravati
A beautiful girl Veeravati, the only sister of her seven loving brothers, got married to a king. On her first karva chauth, she went to her parents' house and a strict fast, waiting for the moon rise to break it. The seven brothers could not see their loving sister go hungry throughout the day. They decided to end her fast, by reflecting a mirror through peepal tree leaves and making her believe that it is moon. The sister fell for it and broke the fast. The moment she ate food, she got news of her husband's serious illness.

After coming to know that her husband is not well, she rushed to her palace and on her way, met Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was them that she came to know that her brothers had shown her false moon and made her break her fast before moonrise. The queen asked for forgiveness and was granted the boon that the king would be revived only if she undertakes seven karva chauth fast strictly, following all the rituals. The queen agreed and strictly followed all the rituals of karva chauth the next seven times and got her husband back.

Other Legends

Legend Of Mahabharata
Karwa Chauth also has a story dating back to the pre-Mahabharata times. Draupadi used to observe this fast after her marriage. It so happened that once Arjun went to the Nilgiris for penance and in his absence, the rest of the Pandavas faced many problems. Draupadi asked Lord Krishna for help. The Lord reminded her about Goddess Parvati, who had sought Lord Shiva's guidance under similar circumstances and was advised to observe the fast of Karva Chauth. Draupadi followed the instructions and observed the fast with all its rituals and the Pandavas were able to overcome their problems.

Legends Of Satyavan and Savitri
Another story related to karwa chauth concerns the Satyavan and Savitri. When Lord Yama came to take away Satyavan's soul, Savitri begged him to spare her husband. He refused to do so. In order to gain back her husband's life, Savitri stopped eating and drinking anything. Finally, Yamraj relented and granted her, her husband's life. And from that day onwards, karva chauth has been celebrated with great faith and belief.

Legend Of Karva
Karva was a woman deeply devoted to her husband. It so happened that her husband was caught by a crocodile while bathing. Karva came running and bound the crocodile with a cotton yarn. She then went to Yama and requested him to send the crocodile to hell. She threatened to curse him when Yama refused to do so. Afraid of the power of a devoted wife, Yama accepted and sent the crocodile to hell and blessed Karva's husband with long life.

[MysteRy]

Karwa Chauth Thali Decoration

The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated with great pomp and show in various parts of the country. It is said that this is an auspicious festival that bring fortune as well as well being along with long life for one’s husband if she observes this fast with full faith. In the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P., and Gujarat, the festival is celebrated in almost similar manner just nine days before Diwali i.e. on the fourth day of the Kartik month by the Hindu calendar. The rituals begin early morning from having ‘sargi’ (pre-dawn meal) and end by offering water to the moon.

Karva Chauth Pooja Thali Decoration
The fast of Karva Chauth is loaded with intricate rituals and customs. Thus, all the arrangements for the pooja material are done prior to the festival. One of the most important parts of this Pooja is the decoration of the Pooja thali so that every material is specified in accordance with the required quantity and order. It is also important because the decorated thali forms an important component of the Karva Chauth puja. These Pooja thali are interestingly decorated by the women who observe fast to give their Pooja thali an exclusive and special look.

The Karva Chauth Pooja Thali, better known as Baya, consists of the roli, vermilion, sacred water, dry fruits like almonds, pishta etc., earthen clay pots, diyas and different types of Indian sweets. The Thali may be a silver thali, brass thali or a steel thali depending upon your choice. In this Thali, every Pooja material is kept separately in katoris (small bowls). During the Pooja this thali is while the story is being narrated. After the puja, this thali is presented to the eldest member of the family who blesses the woman.

The Pooja Thali can be decorated in accordance to the creative skills and arts known to the decorator as there is no specific rule and regulation to how the thali should be decorated. Some people decorate thalis for puja by making ritualistic decoration like rangoli and alpana while some people opt for floral decorations with the help of flowers, leaves, color and multicolored pulses.

Karwa Chauth Thali Decoration Ideas
Here we have given an easy way to decorate the Pooja Thali with oil. You can easily decorate your Karwa Chauth Pooja Thali immediately before Pooja in this manner.

Steps

Dip an ear bud in oil and draw beautiful pctures on the Pooja Thali.

Spread some powdered sindoor/Haldi/any color on it

Shake the thali well so that the colors are properly spread.

Now turn the Thali in the opposite direction and dust out to remove excess color powder.

You will find design that you draw with oil embossed on plain Thali.

After pooja, you can wipe this and keep the same for next year.

[MysteRy]

Karwa Chauth Katha

Karwa Chauth is celebrated with gusto by Hindu married women in the north and north western parts of India. It is a special day for them, because they pray for the longevity of their husband and seek blessings of Goddess Gauri to have a blissful married life. Special puja is conducted in the evening by the married women, wherein katha - story or legend associated with the celebration of the festival - is narrated by the elderly woman of the group. After watching the moon rise, the women would have a glimpse of their husband through the same sieve, which they used to watch the moon. Thereafter, they would break their fast by drinking water. In the article, we have given information on Karva Chauth ki kahani.

Karva Chauth Story
Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess named Veeravati. She was married to a king at the optimum marriageable age. After tying the wedding knot, she went to meet her parents on Karva Chauth. After sunrise, she observed a very stringent fast on the day, when she didn't drink even a drop of water. Since Veeravati was too delicate to withstand rigorous fasting, she fainted in the evening. The seven beloved brothers of the queen couldn’t stand the dilemma of their sister and decided to break her fast, by deceiving her. They made a fire at the nearby hill and asked her to catch a glimpse of the glow. They made her to believe that it was the glow of the moonlight and now that moon had risen, she could break her fast.

After watching the false moon, Veeravati broke her fast and ate dinner. The moment she ate her food, she received the bad news that her husband was no more. The heartbroken queen rushed to the palace to see her deceased husband. On her way to the palace, she came across Lord Shiva and his significant half - Goddess Parvati (also known as Ma Gauri). Parvati informed Veeravati that the king had died because she had broker her fast by watching a false moon. When the queen asked for mercy, the Goddess granted her the boon that the king would be brought back to life, but would be severely ill.

When the queen reached the palace, she found her husband lying unconscious, with hundreds of sharp needles pierced into his body. Each day, the queen was capable of removing one needle from the king's body. She could remove all the needles except one. By the time, it was next year, on the day of Karva Chauth. The king was still unconscious, with only one needle remaining inserted in his body. On the day, the queen once again observed a stringent fast and went to the market to purchase the karva (pitcher) for the puja. When she was away from the palace to fetch the karva, her maid removed the last needle from the king's body.

The moment Veeravati's maid removed the last needle from the king's body, the king regained consciousness. Ironically, he mistook the maid for his queen. When the real queen returned to the palace, she was made to serve as a maid. Nonetheless, Veeravati was true to her faith and continued to observe the Karwa Chauth vrat. One fine day, when king was going to other kingdom, he asked Veeravati (now turned maid) if she wanted anything. She asked to fetch a pair of identical dolls. While the king was obliged to bring her a pair of dolls, the queen kept singing a song "Roli ki Goli ho gayi.. Goli ki Roli ho gayi" (the queen has turned into maid and the maid has turned into queen).

When asked why she was repeatedly singing the song, she narrated the entire story. The king regretted and wanted to do good for his queen. Consequently, he restored the royal status to Veeravati. It is believed that her immense faith in the Almighty, her love and dedication to her husband had won her husband's affection and the blessings of Goddess Parvati. This is the reason why, every year, Karwa Chauth is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of Veeravati. Every year, on Kartik ki Chauth, married women observe stringent fast, worship Goddess Parvati for a long and pleasurable married life and pray for longevity of their husband.

[MysteRy]

Karwa Chauth Significance

In India, the ritual of marriage is considered to be the ultimate ritual of life. Here tying knots means promising a companionship of seven lives. In a country with intricate rituals and customs, it is believed that there is nothing more pious and stronger than the relationship of marriage. Married women is said to be the companion of their better halves in all the hay as well as bad days. According to the ancient Hindu texts, the will power of a married lady to change her husband’s bad fortune into good is so strong that it can even change God’s ultimate decision. So, the relationship of man and his lady are eternal and blessed.

In a country like India where marriage is far beyond worldly affairs, the institution of marriage is strengthened through several means. One of them is the festival of Karva Chauth. Karwa Chauth is regarded as the biggest occasion for the entire married woman fraternity in the country. It is said that the successful completion of this tough fast ensures a long life and prosperous future for her husband. According to the belief of people in the country any kind of deceiving in the Karwa Chauth fasting and rituals can also endanger the life of your partner. So, the rituals are to be followed very carefully.

Karwa Chauth is a very difficult fast. A woman has to spend an entire day without any food or single drop of water till the moon rise. It is said that this pain taken by a wife helps her husband get a token of blessings by the almighty. There are different stories to why this festival came in being. Some people believe that this festival of Karva Chauth was actually the day to celebrate the season of autumn and enjoy the company of friends and relatives but later on, few mythological legends were associated with it to give it a religious existence.
However, thousands of people especially Hindus and Sikh of north-western India who believe in its religious existence have several folklores related to this festival. They often associate it with the legendary story of a devoted wife (pativrata nari), Karwa and her efforts to save her husbands life. They also quote the story of Satyavan and Sati, the couple who united again despite being destined to be separated due to Sati’s efforts to save Satyavan’s life from Yamdoota.

However, now the festivity of Karva Chauth has not been limited to the rituals, traditions and prayers. Due to immense glorification by Bollywood, the festival has commercialized to a great extent. The markets at the time of Karwa Chauth are flooded with offers and sales. So apart from being a social and seasonal festival and religious affair, with time, it has also become a commercialized affair. With time the trend of festival have changed, however the soul of festival like the other Indian festival remains the same- a prayer for blissful and carefree life.

[MysteRy]

Karwa Chauth Rituals

The cultural diversity of India has paved the way to the celebration of a number of festivals. One of the prominent festivals of the north and north western parts of India is Karwa Chauth. Popularly referred to as a ladies-only festival, Karva Chauth is equally important for the husbands, because their wives especially dedicate the entire day in their remembrance, praying for their longevity and prosperity. On the wonderful occasion, married women clad themselves in beautiful dresses, apply henna on their palm and wear attractive jewelry. The festival is celebrated by following a number of rituals that are truly as per the Hindu culture and traditions. In the following lines, we have provided information on the rituals of Karwa Chauth.

Karva Chauth Traditions

Application Of Henna
Application of henna is considered auspicious for married woman and forms a mandatory part of Karva Chauth rituals. According to a popular belief, married woman, whose mehndi (henna) is gets dark, would get loads of love and care from her husband. In addition to this, henna symbolizes prosperity and good luck. Therefore, it can be said that it is a good luck charm for the married women in India. The auspicious ritual of the application of henna is performed on the day. However, nowadays, people also apply mehndi one day prior to the festival.

Fasting
Fasting is an important part of the celebrations of Karwa Chauth. After having the scrumptious meal called 'sargi' in the pre-dawn time, women observe a one-day fast for Karwa Chauth. Fasting symbolizes the ability of a woman to stay calm even after starving for a long time. Actually, on Karva Chauth, a married woman is bound to stay starve all through the day until the moon rise, without drinking even a drop of water. They break the fast only after having a glimpse of the moon rise (on their thali that is filled with water or through a sieve) and their husband.

Dressing Up For Karwa Chauth
As a part of the traditions, married women clad themselves in beautiful dress, on Karwa Chauth. The attire for the day is strictly traditional. Therefore, you would get to see variations in the traditional wear including sarees, lehenga and salwar-kameez. The chosen color for the dress is either red or maroon, because both the colors are considered auspicious for married women. The women would accessorize themselves with matching pieces of jewelry, including colorful bangles, heavy earrings and necklace.

Karwa Chauth Puja
One of the important traditions of Karwa Chauth is puja. The pooja is conducted somewhere between 4 pm and 5 pm, by the married women. One of them would call upon other married women to take part in the puja organized at her place. As a part of the tradition, a two-inch tall idol of Goddess Gauri is made using cow dung and a picture of the idol is kept aside, because she is the deity worshipped on the day. Songs are sung for Karwa Chauth puja aarti.

Ritual At Moon Rise
The ritual at moon rise marks the culmination of the festival. As the day proceeds, the women who have observed Karwa Chauth vrat (fast) would eagerly await for the moon to rise in the evening. The moment moon rises, they would have a glimpse of the moon through a sieve or look at the reflection of the moon in their thali. Thereafter, they would have a glimpse of their husband through the same sieve. Next, the women would drink water to break their fast. This marks the culmination of the rituals of Karva Chauth. This is followed by feasting.