ਕਰਵਾ ਚੌਥ

Karva Chauth is a North Indian Hindu observance especially prominent among Punjabi Hindu families. Married women keep a dawn-to-moonrise fast (nirjala, without food or water) for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands, breaking the fast after sighting the moon through a sieve. It is accompanied by sargi (a pre-dawn meal from the mother-in-law), henna, and festive dress.

Observances

1. Sargi

   Pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins.

2. Moonrise fast-breaking

   Viewing the moon through a sieve, then the husband offers the first sip of water.

In the US

Community pujas are organized at mandirs and homes; timing is adjusted to local moonrise. Some families adapt the custom to be mutual between partners.