Significance of Karwa Chauth.
The festival of Karwa Chauth celebrates the joy of togetherness between a husband and wife. It is believed that observing this ritual strengthens the bond of the couple and binds them together for their next incarnations.
Karva Chauth is celebrated by married women across the country and is observed on the 4th day after Purnima, or full moon, in the month of Kartik. Wives fast to wish for a long and prosperous life for their husbands during which the ‘Vrat’, or fast, starts from dawn and ends in the evening with the rising of the moon. There are variations within regions, groups, and communities in India about rituals of starting and breaking the fast, and worshipping the moon; each family has their traditional way of celebrating.
Every Karva Chauth married women dress up in new Kurtas/Kurtis/Sarees; preferably red and pink colour, and apply mehendi on their hands as part of the festivities. Women observing the fast get together in the evening to sing folk songs and listen to old tales about the festival by reading the Karwa Chauth ‘Vrat Katha’. Women also worship Goddess Parvati in the Karwa Chauth puja followed by Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikeya. The fast is later broken in the night once the women have sighted the moon, and pray to it.
From a modern feminist lens, Karwa Chauth normalises patriarchy and women’s subjugation as ‘second sex’; it reinforces the idea that a woman must be willing to make self-sacrifices to put her husband's health and prolonged life above her own. However, instead of rejecting Karva Chauth as being inherently gendered, one must look for a progressive change that supports the participation of both genders. In more recent times, women have been reclaiming their independence and agency by interpreting and tweaking religious rituals to represent their freedom of choice. Religion and faith have a stronghold in the lives of people in India, which is why Karva Chauth, in the contemporary context, should be understood and practised as a symbol of love for both women and men. Many women who fast believe they do so for personal happiness, and nowadays some husbands even join them, making the festival less about gender oppression and more about the joy of togetherness and love between couples.
To celebrate happiness and love on this day, Cottons brings you a Special Edition collection for the festival of Karwa Chauth. Our refreshing designs and styles in breathable fabrics will delight you immediately.
Pink Hand Embroidered Anarkali
Woven in fine moss, this gathered kurta is an unusual combination of berry to be draped with a saffron dupatta. Beautifully embroidered gota patti panels edged with a row of sequins on a high waisted yoke, this is your best choice for Karwa Chauth. The addition of an antique choker will offset the deep round neck to perfection. A saffron dupatta with gold motifs on red polka dots with Gota edging is guaranteed to brighten up your outfit. A berry pink crop trouser with tiny slits at the hem is the best option to create the right overall effect.
Zari Embroidered Orange Cotton Kurta
This vibrant orange ensemble will make heads turn when you step out on Karwa Chauth. Delicate gold embroidered bootis and borders on the yoke, with dots of grey creates a stunning monotone. Light gathers at the front make this kurta score high on both comfort and style. Orange kota doria dupatta reminds one of everything that is bright and happy. The gold motifs and lace add to the energy of the colour. Bright orange Afghani Salwar cuffed at the ankle will draw attention to your ankles and create a subtle grace.
Hand Embroidered V Neck Cotton Anarkali
Red and gold are colours for new beginnings and festive occasions. This traditional 'sindoori' kurta evokes auspicious vibes. Tonal woven stripes act as a backdrop for gold beads, borders and gota on this graceful gathered kurta.
Soothing mustard dupatta in breathable kota doria is panelled with narrow gold ribbons and edged with a lush fringed border. Dull red narrow trousers in cotton are a classic pick to team with your kurta.
We wish Goddess Parvati showers everyone with her love & blessings, especially the brides celebrating their first Karwa Chauth.
