The fast of Karwa Chauth is observed as a pious festival for all the married Hindu women. It is also said that it empowers a married women to even challenge the decision of the almighty. Hindu Dharm also believes that fasting is a way to attain the goal of life, ie, self-realization.

On the auspicious day of Karwa Chauth, all the Hindu married women observe fast for the long life, well-being and prosperity of their husbands. Married women keep a strict fast and do not take even a drop of water. It is the most important and difficult fast observed by married Hindu women. The fast begins before sunrise and ends only after offering prayers and worshiping the moon at night. Women are not supposed to take any form of food or water after sunrise. Once the moon is sighted and rituals of the day is performed, one can break the fast. After the moon appears, women break their fast after offering water to the moon.

Meaning and Significance
The term 'Chauth' means the 'fourth day' and 'Karwa' is an earthen pot with a spout - a symbol of peace and prosperity - that is necessary for the rituals. Hence the name 'Karwa Chauth'. The festival of karwa Chauth comes nine days before Diwali, ie, on the fourth day of the new moon immediately after Dusshera in the month of Kartik.

According to a Hindu belief, it is not easy to unceasingly pursue the path of spirituality in one's daily life. Therefore, one must strive to impose restrains on to get the mind focused and fasting is a form of restraint. Besides, being a part of worship, fasting is also a great instrument for self-discipline. It helps in training the mind and body to endure and harden up against all hardships to preserve under difficulties.

Rituals followed on Karwa Chauth
In the evening, all the married women dress up in special clothes and get ready with all the make-up done properly. Almost all women wear red or pink sari or lehenga-choli. Some women also dress up in their bridal clothes. All deck up in jewelry and wear 'mehendi' or henna patterns especially on the hands. Decorative 'bindis' on the forehead are a must for all women taking part in this celebration. Fasting women from all over the neighborhood gather in a group and narrate mythological stories that underscore the significance of Karwa Chauth. And, of course, all wives expect lavish gifts from their husbands.

The fast of Karwa Chawth truly sets the merry tone of the fun and frolic, festivity and feasting that come in good measure during Diwali — the biggest festival of the Hindus.