Karwa Chauth and Significance of Sargi

Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 10, 2025.

Karwa Chauth is a waterless fast and austerity observed by married women to ensure the well-being of their husbands. It is celebrated each year on the fourth day after Purnima (the full moon) between Dussehra and Deepavali.

The word "Karwa" (karawa) refers to the earthen or copper pot in which water is taken for offering to the moon.

The fast begins before sunrise and ends after sighting the moon in the evening. The moon is the ruler of the mind. Worship is performed seeking long life for their husbands, as well as prosperity and peace in marital life.  

Looking at the moon through a sieve represents the screening out of scattered thoughts. Prayer is a way to stabilize the mind. The woman purifies her mind and thoughts through these rituals and, thereafter, looks into the face of her husband. The husband needs to be ready by the time she sees the moon, so that she can look at his face before seeing others. 

What is Sargi

Sargi is a pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother-in-law and given to her daughter-in-law who is about to fast on this Karwa Chauth day. The food is served on a thali (preferably a new plate) and should contain satvik food, rich in vitamins and nutrients proteins.

Besides the pre-dawn meal, Sargi contains clothes and ornaments known as Solah Singaar (16 types of ornaments that include a necklace, waistbelt, bangles, lipsticks, anklets, bracelets, and other auspicious items for the lady). These are all part of the Sargi offered to the woman by her mother-in-law before the start of the fasting ritual. 

The lady performing this ritual wears the clothes and jewelry received from her mother-in-law before starting the fast, performs the worship, and other rituals. Thereafter, on completion of the ritual, she looks at the moon through the sieve and then, her husband's face. She will have to wait till the moon appears, and then only can she break her fast. Thereafter, she obtains the blessings from her husband and his parents. The ritual concludes in this manner. Thereafter, she eats the food.