Karwa Chauth 2025: Unveiling Three Vrat Kathas for Eternal Marital Bliss

Karwa Chauth: Karva Chauth, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. In 2025, this auspicious fast falls on October 10. On this day, married women observe a day-long fast without food or water, praying for the long life, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands. It's believed that observing this fast strengthens the marital bond and brings happiness and peace to the household. According to Drik Panchang, women worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Kartikeya, and Lord Ganesha. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and offering 'arghya' (water offering), while before breaking the fast, women often ponder which story to narrate during the puja.

The Story of the Blind Old Woman

There once lived a poor, blind old woman who diligently worshipped Lord Ganesha and observed the Chaturthi fast daily. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared before her and offered a boon. Unsure what to ask for, she consulted her son and daughter-in-law, who suggested wealth and a grandson, respectively. Following a neighbor's advice, she thought about her own well-being. When Ganesha returned, she cleverly asked for a comprehensive set of blessings: food, wealth, healthy body, eternal marital bliss, eyesight, to see her grandson drinking milk in a golden bowl, and happiness for her entire family. Impressed by her wisdom, Ganesha granted all her wishes.

The Story of the Merchant's Seven Sons and Daughter

A wealthy merchant had seven sons and a daughter, all of whom observed the Karva Chauth fast. The youngest brother, unable to see his sister's hunger, tricked her by lighting a lamp. On a distant tree and placing it behind a sieve, making it appear like the moon. Believing the moon had risen, the sister broke her fast prematurely, while tragically, her husband died instantly. Her sisters-in-law revealed the truth – her hasty act had angered the deities, while distraught, she vowed not to cremate her husband and dedicated herself to sincere devotion. She observed the Karva Chauth fast diligently for an entire year. By the next Karva Chauth, observing the fast with full rituals, her husband was miraculously revived through the blessings of Karva Mata and Lord Ganesha.

The Story of Karva the Washerwoman

Karva, a devoted washerwoman, lived with her elderly and frail husband by the Tungabhadra river. One day, a crocodile attacked her husband, dragging him towards the underworld, while hearing his desperate cries, Karva swiftly arrived and, with her immense spiritual power, bound the crocodile with a raw thread. She then dragged the crocodile to Yamraj's abode, demanding her husband's life back and punishment for the crocodile, while when Yamraj hesitated, citing the crocodile's remaining lifespan, Karva threatened to curse him. Fearing her devotion and power, Yamraj sent the crocodile to Yamapuri and granted Karva's husband a long life. This incident is believed to be the origin of the Karva Chauth fast.