The Karwa Chauth fast, observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands, will be held on Sunday, 20th October 2024. On this day, women observe a strict fast and follow all rituals and customs to perform the puja. After offering Arghya (water offering) to the moon, the fast is broken by drinking water from the husband’s hands and touching his feet as a mark of respect and love.
To ensure a complete and well-prepared puja, here is the list of Karwa Chauth Puja Samagri (materials needed for the puja):
Karwa Chauth Puja Samagri List:
1. Karwa (Earthen Pot): An earthen pot or steel vessel filled with water, adorned with a diya, is used for offering Arghya to the moon.
2. Thali (Puja Plate): A decorated thali to place all the items for puja.
3. Sieve (Chhanni): A small sieve used for seeing the moon and husband during the ritual after offering Arghya.
4. Diya (Lamp): A ghee or oil lamp is lit during the puja and placed on the thali.
5. Roli (Kumkum) and Haldi (Turmeric): Used for applying tilak and performing aarti.
6. Chawal (Rice): Raw rice grains, used in puja as an offering to the deities.
7. Suhag Items: Items symbolizing the marital status of the woman, such as bangles, sindoor (vermilion), and bindi.
8. Flowers: Fresh flowers for offering to the goddess and during the puja ritual.
9. Mehendi (Henna): Although applied beforehand, mehendi is an important part of the celebration and is considered auspicious.
10. Fruits and Sweets: Various fruits and sweets like mathri, laddu, and other traditional sweets are kept in the thali for offering.
11. Karwa Filled with Water: The earthen pot or Karwa should be filled with water or milk for offering to the moon.
12. Naariyal (Coconut): A coconut wrapped in a red cloth, considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity, is placed in the puja thali.
13. Chunri (Dupatta): A red chunri or dupatta to cover the head during the puja and to offer to the goddess.
14. Kalash: A small decorated pot filled with water, flowers, and betel leaves used during the puja ritual.
15. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop: For creating a fragrant and holy atmosphere during the puja.
16. Sindoor Box (Vermillion Box): Used for applying sindoor as part of the shringar (adornment).
17. Paan (Betel Leaves): Betel leaves and betel nuts are used in the puja offerings.
18. Ganga Jal (Holy Water): To purify the puja area and for sprinkling during the rituals.
19. Ganesh Idol or Photo: Lord Ganesha is worshipped first in all Hindu pujas, and hence, his presence in the puja setup is important.
How to Use the Items:
Karwa (Pot): After preparing the thali with all the items, during the puja, water is poured from the Karwa while offering prayers to the moon.
Sieve and Thali: After moonrise, women view the moon through the sieve and then look at their husbands through it, offering water or milk from the Karwa.
Suhag Items and Sindoor: These items symbolize a woman’s marital status and are offered to the goddess, seeking blessings for a long and prosperous married life.
By ensuring that all these items are available, you can perform the Karwa Chauth puja with complete devotion and without any omissions. This detailed preparation enhances the spiritual connection and strengthens the sacred bond of marriage.