Observed by married women on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi for the lifelong health and longevity of their spouses. Includes pre-dawn Sargi consumption, waterless day-long fasting, evening circle rotation of clay Karwa pots (Karwa Pherna), and viewing the moon through a sieve.
Wake up at Brahma Muhurat (around 04:00 AM). Bathe and consume the nourishing Sargi provided with love by mother-in-law (dry fruits, fruits, milk sweets). Rinse mouth before sunrise to begin the waterless fast.
In the late afternoon, dress in festive red or maroon bridal attire. Adorn the sixteen items of shringar (Mehndi, bindi, bangles, sindoor). Draw Karwa Mata on the wall or place her picture with Shiva-Parvati.
Sit in a circle with fellow married women. Hold grains of wheat in hand and listen attentively to the sacred story of Queen Veeravati. Rotate the Karwas 7 times while singing the traditional folk rhymes.
Upon moonrise, place a burning ghee lamp on the sieve. View the radiant moon through the sieve, offer milk and water arghya from the Karwa, and then look at your husband's face through the same sieve. Touch his feet, receive gifts/blessings, and take the first sip of water from his hands.
