Sahelis, on this day of Karva Chauth, a religious and cultural occasion, Indian wives all around the world prepare for a day of fasting and praying for the health and prosperity of their husbands. What many women don’t know is the origin of this age old tradition. The significance of the occasion is deeper than many of us know or could imagine!

The foundation of Karva Chauth dates back many centuries and was actually founded upon the basis that new brides would reach out to and befriend other women to become their Godfriends or Godsisters for life; someone who they could depend on in their new married life.  The festival originated to celebrate this relationship between the women. Also usually falling in the month of October, Karva Chauth celebrates the harvest of new crops. 

The husband’s significance is very important in this observance because if it wasn’t for the holy sanctity of marriage, the newlywed wife wouldn’t have been able to find her Godfriends or Godsisters.  The celebration begins with the worship of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya, and the moon. The blessings are asked for longevity and prosperity of their husbands and children, followed by the consumption of “Sargi” which is food provided by the mother in law, to consume before sunrise.

In the modern day Karva Chauth, wives take this opportunity to relive their wedding day by getting henna applied, dressing up in beautiful red sarees and lenghas, and celebrating the bonds of marriage and husbands with their Godfriends and Godsisters in evening puja. 

If you are waiting for the moon to come out today, but aren’t able to get henna or dress up in a saree, consider going to the salon with a friend for a mani/pedi or going for a walk with a good friend.  Remember, it’s also a day to celebrate your girlfriends, your sahelis. 

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