Reasons to celebrate "Karwa chaut" among Indian women

jay62728 · Post by **jay62728** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:25 pm

It's really surprising why many so-called educated, Indian women observe "karva chaut" while men have no such ritual to follow for the well being (?) of their wives.
I wonder what might be the main motivation for such superstitions. One or more of the followings?
· To prove that she loves her husband?
· To make the husband and/or his family (in-laws) happy?
· Pressure from the in-laws and peers?
· The fear that if she does not do it her hubby might be in trouble?

At least the educated people need to realize that "tradition" must not be the reason to follow superstition, particularly when we have so many to eradicate to have a better civic society in India and among Indian communities abroad.

Desi_by_Nature · Post by **Desi_by_Nature** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:34 pm

I feel it's incorrect to classify karva chauth as a superstition. It's a ritual - just like a wedding or a religious festival.

I've seen many well educated, smart, career oriented women follow it - and for them it's just a matter of faith and religion.
In these times when women and men are considered socially equal, your concerns about the woman sacrificing her comfort for the man make a lot of sense. I guess those are the reasons why a lot of men nowdays fast for their wives on karva chauth as well (something that did not happen in our parents' and earlier generations), and/or they would give a special gift to their wife on this day.

realgoogler · Post by **realgoogler** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:41 pm

It's surprising to see how the tradition holds a grip on us. There is this fear of losing the culture with rationalizing (which is in a way truly founded).
The question may be asked, why kill the celebration which people like (there is food, dance etc).. To be fair, Answer is to have Karva Chaut for Men.

mn_op · Post by **mn_op** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:46 pm

realgoogler;54281It's surprising to see how the tradition holds a grip on us. There is this fear of losing the culture with rationalizing (which is in a way truly founded).
The question may be asked, why kill the celebration which people like (there is food, dance etc).. To be fair, Answer is to have Karva Chaut for Men.[/quote]

I agree. Actually I would say that anybody who doesn't like Karwa Chaouth should wear women's dresses to establish the equality in this modern world.

neesha · Post by **neesha** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 10:11 pm

Can someone kindly tell me what this festival(ritual) is ?

realgoogler · Post by **realgoogler** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 10:37 pm

mn_op;54282I agree. Actually I would say that anybody who doesn't like Karwa Chaouth should wear women's dresses to establish the equality in this modern world.[/quote]
You can't help here, Sometimes women prefer to wear men's dresses however you push them.

jay62728 · Post by **jay62728** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:10 pm

neesha;54297Can someone kindly tell me what this festival(ritual) is ?[/quote]

Please correct me if I am wrong?.
The ritual is like this: Wives undertake day long fast. At the time of moonrise she will watch the moon through a sieve and then she will pray for the well being of her husband. I don?t know the meaning or significance of the sieve though. Then she will break her fast. Some puja is also offered in some communities. After that there will be a grand party (food is supposed to be cooked by the fasting wife, naturally) with lots of food and prayers for the God mentioning the ?greatness? of her husband.
Mostly prevalent among families in north India (mainly Hindi belt). Hardly exist in eastern and north eastern part of India though. I am not very sure about South Indian communities.

MadMax · Post by **MadMax** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:11 pm

Even the belief in God and religion can be classified as superstitions. So, why don't we start with eradicating these roots of all superstitions?

Desi_by_Nature · Post by **Desi_by_Nature** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:17 pm

MadMax;54311Even the belief in God and religion can be classified as superstitions. So, why don't we start with eradicating these roots of all superstitions?[/quote]

I agree. And by that logic even the concept of marriage can be termed as a superstition.

jay62728 · Post by **jay62728** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:18 pm

MadMax;54311Even the belief in God and religion can be classified as superstitions. So, why don't we start with eradicating these roots of all superstitions?[/quote]

Not a bad idea though....:emwink:
In fact world will be much better if we can successfully do that.....:emteeth: