Karwa Chauth
Introduction to Karwa Chauth:
Himachal Pradesh is often defined as the nature's paradise. Its beauty is graced with splendid valleys, verdant green hills, snow clad mountains and burbling streams. Still tucked away from the encroachments of the modern advancements, Himachal Pradesh has become one of the very popular travel destinations in India for the tourists around the globe. However what attracts tourists to this glorious hill state in India is just not the unparalleled scenic beauty of the place but the way local people continue to live their life with utmost simplicity however speckled with vibrant colors at times of celebrations.
Celebrations in Himachal Pradesh signify numerous fairs and festivals that have both religious and social implications. One of the very famous and truly Indian to the heart festival that has held everybody's attention alike is Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh. The festival of Karwa Chauth in Himachal Pradesh is celebrated by the married women. They remain on fasting for entire day in order to ensure welfare, prosperity, long life and well being of their husbands.
| Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh |
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Time of celebrating Karwa Chauth:
The festival of Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh is celebrated 9 days before the very famous Deepavali - the festival of lights on kartik ki chauth. It is essentially the fourth day of the dark moon.
Description of Karwa Chauth:
The festivities of Karwa Chauth, Himachal Pradesh start from early morning. Before sunrise, women take bath and attire in new cloths. They take few selected grains and fruits in meal. For remaining day they do not take food and water. However this strict practice to shun food and water for the entire day has been to some extent altered. Further, married women offer prayers to Hindu god and goddess such as Shiva and Parvati.
The prayers on the day of Karwa Chauth are offered with the motive of seeking blessings that would enable them to enjoy successful married lives. It is during afternoon that women assemble in neighborhood for a prayer ceremony. They recite very popular Karva Chauth story. On the time of the puja, women wear bright red or pink clothes and stunning jewelry. Once the prayer ceremony is over all the women eagerly wait for moon rise. As soon as moon appears on sky every woman come to their terrace and offer prayers to ensure well being for their husband and family.
They offer water to moon 16 times. An elderly woman of the family again recites story of Karwa Chauth. Later, the daughter in laws offer a small painted clay pot or say Auli filled with rice and other things to their mother-in-laws. At the end of these rituals, all women break their fast with a sip of water. There are some unmarried girls also who observe fasts on Karwa Chauth with the hope of getting good husband.
As the name suggests the Summer Festivals in Himachal Pradesh is usually held at the advent of summer. This year it will be celebrated in early June.
IndianHoliday provides information on the Shimla's Summer Festival of Himachal Pradesh.
| Festivals in November 2013 |
| Festival Name | Festivals Day/Date |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 2 Oct, Wednesday |
| Navratri | 5-13 Oct, Saturday(starting) |
| Bir thday Guru Ramdas ji | 9 Oct, Wednesday |
| Durga Puja | 9-14 Oct, Wednesday(starting) |
| D asara Fair | 13 Oct, Sunday |
| Ayudha Mela | 13 Oct, Sunday |
| Kota Dussehra | 13 Oct, Sunday |
| Dussehra | 14 Oct, Monday |
| Id_ul_Zuha | 16 Oct, Wednesday |
| S harad Purnima | 18 Oct, Friday |
| Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti | 18 Oct, Friday |
| Ga jalaxmi Puja | 19 Oct, Saturday |
| Karva Chauth | 22 Oct, Tuesday |
| Pus hkar Fair | 30 Oct - 6 Nov, Wednesday(starting) |
| Manektari Punam Fair | October |
| Koratty Muthy | October |
| Rajgir Dance Festival | October |
| Kal laji Fair | October |
| Brahmotsavam | October |
| Rayalaseema Dance and Festival | October |
| Ramlila | October |
| Ram Barat | October |
| Qutub Festival | October |
| Tsokum Festival | October |
| Cape Festival | October |
| Autumn Festival | October |
| Barabanki Mela | October |
| Pinjore Heritage Festival | October |
| Pomblang Lewduh | October |
| Sri Vithappa Fair | October |
| Thimithi Festival | October |
