Munish Gupta
Srinagar, Oct 20 (KINS): The auspicious occasion of Karwa Chauth was marked by the sighting of the moon in Jammu, signaling the end of a day-long fast observed by married women for the health, prosperity, and long life of their husbands. This significant festival, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, saw women across the region participating in the traditional rituals that are deeply rooted in Indian culture.
In the evening, women dressed in colorful, traditional attire gathered on rooftops and open spaces, waiting eagerly for the sighting of the moon. The festival, which holds both cultural and spiritual significance, involves fasting from sunrise until the moonrise. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and completing specific rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Once the moon was visible, the women began the ceremonial process of viewing it through a sieve, a practice that symbolizes filtering out negativity and ensuring happiness and prosperity. After offering prayers to the moon, they turned towards their husbands, who then gave them the first sip of water, officially marking the end of the fast. This symbolic act strengthens the bond between the couple, signifying love, dedication, and mutual respect.
The atmosphere was filled with festive joy and devotion, as families came together to celebrate the occasion. Karwa Chauth holds special importance for married women, and the rituals are often observed with great attention to detail. Women spend weeks preparing for the day, from adorning themselves with mehndi to selecting new outfits and jewelry.
This year’s celebration in Jammu, like in many parts of India, was a blend of tradition, love, and festivity, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural values associated with Karwa Chauth. The sight of women praying under the moonlit sky, surrounded by family, highlighted the beauty of this age-old tradition that continues to bring families closer year after year.
