Karvachauth, a Beautiful Romance
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Romance has no age or time infact, romancing during a festival time makes it even more romantic!
Karvachauth is another such romance which originated years ago in India during the harvest time where the woman would pray for the safe return of her husband when he would venture into the fields to collect the crops.
She would fast on the day her man would leave to collect the reap and not eat or drink anything during the day. As a celebration; she would apply henna on her hands/feet.
In the Evening, all the fasting women would meet up all dressed up in the best of jewelry and attire (just like a Girls Night Out) These women sing songs amidst admiring each other's apparels.
After mingling with their friends and sharing laughters ; these women head home and wait up for the moon to rise. On the rise of the moon; these women will start to eat/drink. They even get a gift from their better half since; they fasted and prayed for the safety of them.
There sure is a folk tale behind this but, I wanted to just concentrate on the main aspect of this romance between a couple which involved fasting for her lover but also getting an opportunity to dress up and meet up with all friends.
According to me; this is a wonderful time to socialize in the best of attire and fast (lose a couple of calories) and rejoice and get a booty from your better half.
No wonder; this Romance is still ongoing in various parts of the world :)
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I knew about the process because I have watched a lot of Indian movies...though I am glad I got to know exactly why the woman fast and the opportunity it is to show love, share with friends and shine. It yolks the couple in a wonderful way...I would love to try.
May we all be blessed
Hi Ubani,
Glad you liked it.
Those are tattoos made of henna. They usually last a few days and fade away since; are not permanent.
Hi Nialee,
'Am glad that you liked it. Sure, give it a try...this fasting occurs around the month of October.
Wishing you joy and peace!
Ruchira,
Greetings from MAKUSR. You are doing a fine job of bringing the great Indian culture before the world. The photos you have used are good. Ever wondered why all the fasting is done by women. Rarely by men. One of my elderly relatives fasts half a week all the 52 weeks a year! You have a flow in your writing. Voted Up! As far as romance is concerned I don't know how many arranged Indian marriages have romance in them.
LOts of Love,
MAKUSR
Ruchira - thank you that is so interesting! And it is romantic:). I have my husbands initials tattood on my body - I told him it was soI could make sure he went to the grave with me:) that marriage license is paper on the wind....
Hello Makusr,
A very good point raised...men do not fast and women do!!
I guess our Indian Culture demands it and women just do it without questioning (duh!)
I kinda dis-agree on your comment that Arranged marriages don't have romance in them... the definition of romance needs to be thought over...it's the small sacrifices and gestures of kindness towards each other that ignites the romance and spark. Again...Love does Grow with Age and learning to prioritize that; makes all the difference :)
Once again thank you for your valuable comment...it was truly appreciated!
Hi RHW,
I liked the Tattoo thing...might just try it ;-) since; I agree that the license is just a paper...lol
Yes, I find the above very romantic too esp when the woman is fasting and secretly losing all those excessive calories the glee feeling the man has that she is doing it for him...is priceless!
And not to forget that the woman gets all adorned for the Evening out with her Friends ;-)
Thanks for dropping by :)
Very interesting. I love to learn of other cultures. This sounds like a win-win situition, party and booty. HaHa...Thank you.
ahaa...that is the word that I was missing...win win situation...lol
thanks for sharing your priceless comment Ruby. Always a pleasure to hear from you :)
whoever said there is no romance in an arranged marriage?i had an arranged marriage 31 years back and she still sends goosebumps down my spine when we hold hands (and of course makes my hair stand at end with fright when she is angry)and yes the latest trend is for men to fast for their wives too.i haev been at least for the last 8-9 years. as per Hindu thought women fast to get the same husband in the next 7 lives - i could do with the same wife for the next 7 too.(known devil and all that i guess!!!)
Hello Neeleshkulkarni,
Such a beautiful comment and appreciation for your better half..all I can say is way to go!!
Wishing you bountiful of happiness with her.
Hi Ruchira, I made a comment earlier but it doesn't seem to be here, so I am back again!
I love the henna tattoo, it's beautiful as is this article and so romantic!
Thank you for sharing, best wishes MM
Hi MM,
Such a pleasure to hear from ya...thanks for stopping by!
What a beautiful article and so completely romantic. It is wonderful to learn about other cultures and I so enjoyed this hub. Voting up and pressing those buttons too.
...wow you've got the love doctor here - herself in the beautiful presence of ACAETNNA - and yes this hub subject is beautiful too and so very worthy of being posted to my Facebook page with a direct link back here so people will notice the special skill and care you have in putting your hubs together so well - lake erie time ontario canada 9:39pm
Hi Acaetnna,
I know love and you signify so much since your hubs specialize in that field thus, a praise coming from an expert means a lot :)
Thank you!!
Hello Epi,
Glad to see your original profile pix back :)
Thank you for stopping by.
However, I dunno why my FB tab above the hub does not signify that it has been clicked...lol
up, awesome, and interesting article Ruchira. I love the romantic side to this article. I don't know if I have ever said this before, but you are a great writer. You really capture me in your articles. Great stuff:)
Hello Lyricwriter,
Always a pleasure to hear from you and your beautiful thoughts. Thank you for your kind comment!
Wishing you PEace!
Ruchira
Hi
Gone through your hub.A beautiful one. If you go back in ancient times, it really reflects the epitome of romance but in fact how many Indian women and of course the men also refresh themselves with this feeling on this day.
Best Wishes
Hi Kawaljit,
Yes, so true. We hardly look into the depth of anything these days...just want to follow the tradition 'cause that's the way!
Thanks for stopping by!
I have seen my mom, my aunts and grandmom keep this fast since i was born and it gives me a thrill in me thinking i would do same one day for my husband. It is not only romance but it does show real love and sacrifice a woman can make for her mate.
Hi Sweetie1,
Pleasure to see you and your sweet comment. Yes, this is a wonderful fast yet, celebration. I am glad that you are looking fwd to it.
Wishing you a good partner in your life...cheers!
Enjoyed reading your article.Keep it up. Excellent. Voted up
Thanks Ruchi. 'Am glad that you liked it.
Cheers!
beautiful pics and narration. thanks for sharing this indian tradition..
Hello Rambansal,
Pleasure to see you. Thank you for stopping by!
Awesome hub Ruchira.
I really enjoy hearing folk tales from different cultures.
My sister is married to a Hindu, and his mother paints these tattoos/art for a living. I heard it's quite lucrative. She's paid a lot of things with the money she's generated from doing this.
Take care
John
Now that's some serious artwork! Thank you for sharing!!
Ruchira , I must say Indian women are just plain beautiful! The mystery of hidden beauty , and this hub ! Magical !....thank you for sharing the story!.....:-}
i heard a lovely rejoinder to the karva chauth celebrations the other day.
there was this stand up comedian who was saying "our wives keep this fast for our long lives, which means our lives are determined by their fasts.If they decide to break the fast poooof off we go.""My wife", he said,"asked for gold bangles at the last karva chauth and when i refused she just got a piece of bread from the kitchen and threatened to eat it and break the fast midway!!!! what ever could i do in this life threatening situation?"said he," i had to give in"
Thanks, my dear Ruchira, for reminding the world about this pious Indian tradition at the most opportune moment of Valentine day.
I loved the mehendi designs. So pretty! Thanks for sharing! :)
Hi John,
Yes, this profession sure pays back quite a lot :)
I am glad to hear about your sister. Thanks for stopping by with your valuable feedback :)
Hi Linda,
Oh yeah, it is some serious artwork and also pays quite a bit :)
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi ahorseback,
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, my friend!
I am happy that this hub was a delight to you!
Thanks for stopping by :)
haha...good one Neeleshkulkarni.
However, with modernism our tradition is slowly disappearing and the no. of families that fast has decreased but, old is gold and it feels good to hear these myths...lol
Thanks for sharing this joke...it was a delight to hear from you!
The intricate Henna patterns are just beautiful. They must have very steady hands. I can't even paint my fingernails without getting it everywhere.
Lovely romantic traditions and the Indian ladies look amazing. Thank you for sharing Ruchira, my votes to you.
Hello rambansal
Thank you for appreciating the above. Always a pleasure to get ur insight.
Hi Rani
I am glad you like the above
thank you!
Hi Annie
Yup, the same with me. Can't paint my finger nails with steady hands....lol
It sure is an intrinsic art but beautiful indeed.
Btw...good to see a lovely profile pix of yours...keep smiling!
Peace and joy to you!
You are welcome :).
ubanichijioke Level 7 Commenter 7 months ago
Glad to have read this and link to this wonderful indian culture. I love the [is it] painting or tattoo. Great pictures too. Well written!