Karwa Chauth 2024: What is the Scientific Reason Behind Karwa Chauth Vrat?

Science behind Karwa Chauth Fast

The fast is observed four days after Sharad Purnima and eight days after Dussehra.
It is a popular fast in Hinduism. It is observed by the married women for the wellbeing of their husbands.
The fast builds relationship between the husband and wife and is often promoted on the theme “be faithful to your partner.”
The fast is linked to Navratri. The benefits of doing mind body soul detoxification during Navratri are seen on health (Sharad Purnima), longevity (Karwa Chauth), fertility (Ahoi Ashtami), wealth (Dhanteras) and inner happiness (Diwali).
The fast starts before sunrise and ends after worshipping the moon. On this day, married women wake up before sunrise and take bath and offer their usual prayers. They then consume food that helps in maintaining the fluid level of the body – milk, fruits, juice, tea or coffee.
Non-vegetarian food is avoided.
No food is consumed after sunrise.
The practice of “feast, fast and feast” is not health friendly.
Patients with diabetes and hypertension may need to reduce their dose of drugs. During fast, the requirement may reduce by 40%.
Most patients with high blood pressure are advised to take their BP drug at night. The fast therefore will not affect the BP regimen timing.
One should avoid trans fat rich foods before or after the fast.
One should break the fast with light food only for getting the maximum spiritual benefit.
Moon is worshipped on both Sharad Purnima and Karwa Chauth.
In Sharad Ritu, with predominant metabolism (Pitta), the importance of moon with cooling properties cannot be over emphasized.
Moon in mythology indicates positive thinking with cool mind.
Most pregnant ladies are asked to avoid fasting during pregnancy and if they do they are allowed to take fruits and liquids.
The difference between Karwa Chauth fast and Ekadashi fast is (in both water is not allowed) that in Karwa Chauth one is allowed to consume enough liquids early in the morning. Ekadashi Vrata aims at producing dehydration in the body so as to avert the mental side effects of water retention during full moon. In Karwa Chauth, one is not required to dehydrate the body.

Why is karwa chauth fast important for married women ?

While Karwa Chauth is traditionally observed by married women due to its deep roots in Hindu culture, marriage, and spirituality, the evolving nature of society has seen the festival take on new forms. Karwa Chauth is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals among married Hindu women, especially in North India. It is a day marked by fasting, prayers, and rituals dedicated to the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Over the years, the question has arisen: why is Karwa Chauth traditionally observed only by married women? To answer this, it is essential to explore the historical, cultural, and spiritual roots of the festival. Karwa Chauth has deep cultural and historical significance, dating back to ancient times. The festival’s primary purpose was to strengthen the bond between husband and wife and to pray for the husband’s safety, particularly during times of war or long journeys. Historically, during periods of conflict, women would pray for their husbands’ safe return from battle, and fasting was seen as a form of devotion and sacrifice to ensure their protection. The word “Karwa” refers to an earthen pot, and “Chauth” means the fourth day of the lunar month, as the festival is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik. The rituals, particularly the offering made with the earthen pot, symbolize longevity, health, and prosperity.

The Role of Marriage in the Festival

Marriage, in Hindu tradition, is not only a social institution but also a sacred union bound by rituals and spiritual commitments. A major belief in Hindu culture is that marriage ties two individuals not only for this lifetime but for seven lifetimes, known as Saat Pheras. The observance of Karwa Chauth is a way for women to express their love and commitment to their husbands in this lifetime and to strengthen this sacred bond. Traditionally, Karwa Chauth is observed by married women because the festival revolves around the well-being of the husband. The festival reflects the importance of marriage in ancient Indian society, where a husband was seen as a protector and provider, and a wife’s role was to ensure the prosperity and longevity of the relationship.