Fasting, celebrations mark Karva Chauth

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 24

After an year that was low on celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year gave a chance to city women to splurge on festivities and celebrate Karva Chauth with fervour.

While majority of women had already applied mehndi, some were seen getting their hands inked at the last moment. City markets were abuzz with activity from the last few days. Artists could be seen working at mehndi stalls till wee hours.

Rohini Datta from the South City said last year was a low key affair. She even applied mehndi at home. “As Covid cases subsided, I got myself a new dress, a designer applied mehndi on my hands and celebrated the festival with fervour,” she said.

A group of women from BRS Nagar, who celebrate the festival together every year, said, “Karva Chauth is a ritual. We performed ‘pooja’ and listen to ‘katha’ together in the evening. Last year was different as we had an online puja ceremony, but this year we were back to our old routine, listened to ‘katha’, performed ‘pooja’ and exchanged ‘thalis’.”

“The happiness and excitement of festivals increases when celebrated together,” said Manreet from BRS Nagar.

For Aprajita, it was a special occasion as it was her first Karva Chauth. “I was excited. My husband gifted me a ring and my in-laws made me feel so special today. My first experience of keeping fast went well as everyone in the family pampered me with gifts,” she said.

Meanwhile, there are some exceptional couples like Surinder and Bimal, who have been fasting together from the past 20 years. “It is a ritual for us. Both of us keep fast together. Right from my first Karva Chauth till today, we have kept fast together. It makes our bond stronger,” said Bimal.