Moonlit in Gold: Celebrating Karva Chauth in Singapore

Karva Chauth is not just about fasting for an entire day; it is a deep-rooted tradition passed down through generations. The significance of this festival lies in the belief that observing this fast will ensure the long and prosperous life of the husband. This act of devotion and sacrifice is a testament to the unwavering love between husband and wife.

During Karva Chauth, a Hindu festival celebrated by married and unmarried women, they wake up before sunrise to consume a pre-dawn meal called “Sargi.” This meal, prepared by their mother-in-law, consists of various delicacies like sweets, fruits, and nuts. It is believed that the Sargi provides strength and energy to the fasting women throughout the day.

As the day progresses, women engage in various activities to keep themselves occupied and distracted from their hunger. They spend time with family and friends, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional rituals. Some women even organise get-togethers or “Karva Chauth parties”, where they dress in vibrant traditional attire and enjoy each other’s company.

According to mythology, the origins of Karva Chauth can be traced back to the time of Lord Krishna’s childhood friend, Satyavan, and his wife, Savitri. Legend has it that Savitri’s unwavering devotion to her husband enabled her to cheat death and bring him back to life. This tale of love and determination became the cornerstone of Karva Chauth.

Savitri’s story inspires married women who observe the fast. It symbolises their commitment to their husbands and willingness to go to any lengths to protect and preserve their marital bond. The story reinforces the idea that love, devotion, and sacrifice are the pillars of a successful marriage, which is celebrated during this Hindu festival.

Over the years, the story of Savitri has been retold and celebrated through various art forms, including literature, music, and dance, often during Hindu festivals. It has become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Karva Chauth, reminding women of the strength and power they possess in their roles as wives and life partners.

As the day progresses, women eagerly await the sighting of the moon. The moon’s appearance marks the end of the fast, allowing them to break her fast and fill their hearts with joy. The moonlit sky becomes a metaphor for the illumination of their lives and the eternal bond they share with their partners, celebrated through the vrat of Karva Chauth.

When the moon finally graces the night sky, women break their fast by looking at it through a sieve and then at their husbands, a ritual signifying their devotion and prayers for longevity. This ritual, particularly observed on the day of Karva Chauth, is believed to strengthen the marital bond and bring good fortune to the couple as they fast from sunrise to moonrise for the longevity of their husbands. The moment is filled with anticipation and excitement as women exchange glances with their husbands, reaffirming their love and commitment, ready to break the fast.

The moon holds great significance in many cultures and traditions around the world. It has been a symbol of romance, beauty, and mystery since ancient times. In the context of Karva Chauth, a Hindu festival, the moon represents the divine connection between husband and wife, reflecting the belief that their love is as timeless and enduring as the moon.

Throughout the night, women continue to celebrate the completion of their fast by indulging in delicious meals and sweets. They share stories, laughter, and blessings, creating a sense of camaraderie and sisterhood among married women.

Karva Chauth is not just a festival but a celebration of love, devotion, and the unbreakable bond between husband and wife. It is a day filled with rituals, traditions, and heartfelt emotions that unite families and communities. The festival serves as a reminder of the power of love and the strength of relationships, making it a cherished and eagerly awaited occasion. The story of Karwa Chauth underscores these themes, which are celebrated on this day —an occasion for married women across generations.

Days before Karva Chauth, the streets of Singapore come alive with bustling activity. Women immerse themselves in the joy of shopping, searching for the perfect attire, jewellery, and accessories. The city’s markets are adorned with stalls selling everything from traditional clothes to intricate bangles, enticing women with their vibrant colours and designs.

As the festival approaches, the air in Singapore is filled with excitement and anticipation. Women eagerly make their way to the vibrant markets, ready to embark on a shopping spree like no other. The bustling streets are a sight to behold, with women of all ages and backgrounds weaving through the crowd, their eyes sparkling enthusiastically, carrying their thali for the evening rituals.

The markets, bustling during the month of Kartik, are a feast for the senses. The vibrant colours of the clothes and accessories create a kaleidoscope of hues, drawing women in like magnets. Traditional red sarees catch the eye, and their rich fabric and intricate embroidery reflect the essence of Karva Chauth. Women carefully examine each piece, searching for the one that resonates with their style and captures the festival’s spirit.

The vibrant Singaporean markets have become a treasure trove, offering a wide range of Karva Chauth essentials, including puja thalis. The options for celebrating Hindu festivals are endless, from traditional red sarees to intricately embroidered suits. Women enjoy selecting the perfect outfit that epitomises their love and devotion.

But it’s not just the clothes women seek during this time; earthen pots, thali, and other festive items are also in high demand for the Karva Chauth celebrations. The markets also offer an array of exquisite jewellery and accessories. From sparkling bangles to delicate necklaces, each piece adds a touch of elegance to the overall look. Women meticulously browse through the displays, carefully considering each item and envisioning how it will complement their chosen outfits.

As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the city, women leave the markets with bags filled with newfound treasures for the Karva Chauth puja, an event celebrated in the Times of India for its profound cultural significance. The excitement lingers as they eagerly prepare for the festivities, especially the day of Karva Chauth, which includes fasting and the Karwa Chauth puja.

No Karva Chauth celebration is complete without the beautiful art of henna application. Women delicately adorn their hands and feet with intricate henna designs, each representing their love and commitment to their spouse, a traditional preparation for the Karwa Chauth puja. This ancient art form visually celebrates the festival’s enduring traditions.

Henna artists are in high demand in Singapore during the Karva Chauth season. Women flock to stalls, eager to adorn their hands with stunning patterns. With their nimble fingers and creative flair, the artists transform the blank canvas of the skin into a masterpiece of swirling designs and intricate motifs.

As the henna is applied, a sense of tranquillity washes over the women. Preparing for Karva Chauth is not just about the result; it is a moment of relaxation and reflection, especially significant in the strict fast from sunrise to moonrise. The intricate patterns symbolise the bond between husband and wife, the love and devotion celebrated on Karva Chauth, a revered Hindu festival.

Each stroke of the henna cone tells a story of love, commitment, and the strength of relationships. The women sit patiently, watching as the designs take shape, knowing that these temporary works of art will remind them of their love for days to come.

As the sun begins to set on the day of Karva Chauth, the rituals of Karva Chauth take centre stage in households across Singapore, including the pivotal Karwa Chauth puja. Married women gather together, dressed in their finest clothes, to commence the rituals that embody this festival’s true essence.

From sunrise to moonrise, women observe the Karva Chauth fast, abstaining from food and water. This fasting period, from sunrise to moonrise, symbolises their dedication and unwavering devotion to their husbands, aiming to ensure their longevity and well-being. It is a moment of self-reflection and spiritual connection, strengthening the bond between husband and wife as they fast from sunrise to moonrise.

Women gather to offer prayers as the evening sky transforms into various colours. With thalis filled with fruits, sweets, and water, they anxiously await the sighting of the moon to break her fast ceremonially. When the moon reveals itself, they break their fast and joyfully share a meal with their loved ones.

Celebrating Karva Chauth away from their homeland presents unique challenges for the Indian community in Singapore, such as organising the Karwa Chauth puja and ensuring the availability of thali and other ritual items. Yet, their resilience and determination ensure that this festival, which falls on the fourth day of the month, remains integral to their lives.

Despite being in a foreign land, the Indian community in Singapore goes to great lengths to keep their traditions alive. From organising community gatherings and cultural events to creating spaces where they can unite and celebrate their longevity, they find solace and strength in each other, particularly on the day of Karva Chauth, through shared rituals and stories.

The Indian community plays a vital role in embracing and preserving their cultural heritage, especially during Hindu festivals such as Karva Chauth, where the story of Karwa Chauth is revisited to honour the devotion of wives to their husbands. Their unwavering commitment to celebrating Karva Chauth in Singapore strengthens their bonds. It fosters a sense of unity and belonging within the community as they perform the Karwa Chauth puja and fast from sunrise to moonrise.

In recent years, Karva Chauth has witnessed a modern twist reflecting the changing times while aiming to increase husbands’ longevity. As traditions such as Karva Chauth intertwine with the dynamic pace of life, the festival takes on a new form, adapting to evolving perceptions of love and relationships while emphasising the fast from sunrise to moonrise.

Modern couples have reimagined Karva Chauth to suit their lifestyles, emphasising equality and mutual love. The emphasis on shared responsibilities and harmony, significant in Hindu festivals, has become integral to the celebrations, allowing couples to create unique traditions while staying true to the festival’s core values.

With changing mindsets and evolving notions of love, Karva Chauth has sparked conversations about gender roles, empowerment, and equality. Its evolution represents a broader shift in society, where individuals redefine traditional customs to align with their beliefs while preserving the essence of the festival.

Karva Chauth in Singapore is not just an event but an opportunity for the Indian community to unite, celebrate their rich heritage, and cherish the unyielding bond between husbands and wives. As the moonlight casts a golden hue, illuminating their love and devotion, Karva Chauth becomes a magical night of togetherness, celebration, and performing the Chauth Puja.