Karwa
is a festive ritual. It is observed by married women, its aim being the longevity
of women's marital life.
Observance of the first Karwa by the newly-wed is
a special occasion. A newly married woman is given utmost importance by her relatives
and immediate family members when she observes the fast for the long life of her
husband. She is showered with blessings of blissful married life and loads of
Karva Chauth gifts. As this festival
is considered very important for married women, all the symbols that reflects
the ma rriage
status of a woman is in high demand such as jewelery, bangles, henna, sarees, lehnga choli and many other traditional gifts.
First
Sargi
Mother-in-law prepares an elaborate Sargi (the pre-dawn Karva Chauth
meal) when her daughter-in-law observes her first fast. She wakes up early to
prepare a sumptuous and lavish meal inclusive of sweets and other delicacies for
daughter-in-law. She blesses her daughter-in-law saying 'Sada Suhagan Raho'
which means, 'may you always enjoy a blissful married life' when the
latter touches her feet with reverence. She also presents her daughter-in-law
with gifts, which may be a piece of jewelry or a saree on the first Karva Chauth.
Baya
Baya is a gift
given to a daughter's mother-in-law on the occasion of Karva Chauth. Mothers
of newly wed daughters bring gifts for all her family members. Some utensils are
also included in the baya which are to be distributed amongst women who join the
newly-wed on her first Karva Chauth Puja.
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