Newshour Press

Bikano wishes everyone joyful and happy Karwa Chauth! The festival that was only for women is now getting attention from men alike. The day has become a celebration of love, romance and promise of togetherness. Bikano, which is the namkeen division of Bikanervala, celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm and wishes each one who keeps a fast and their spouses a healthy and long life.

The story behind the grand celebration of Karwa Chauth is found in the rich Indian mythology. Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva have said that observing the fast of Karwa Chauth elongates the life of a woman’s life partner. The mythological tale goes as follows and is also mentioned in the puja verses that the fast holders do on Karwa Chauth.

The katha read amid puja tells the story of Princess Veeravati who gets married to a lord. On her first Karva Chauth, she chooses to go visit her guardians. The fasting throughout the day renders her frail and she blacks out. Her seven brothers, who cherish her immensely, cannot stand to see their sister in this state and deceive her into imagining that the moon has risen. The moment she breaks her fast, she gets word that her spouse, the lord is dead. The queen is grief stricken and hurries to her spouse’s royal residence. Enroute, she meets Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva who advise her that it is an atonement and fasting on Karva Chauth will bring back her spouse. The story closes cheerfully as the king comes back to life and they live joyfully ever after.

The story is very interesting and affirms one’s belief in the logic behind celebrating the festival. Bikano believes that the story is as beautiful as the festival itself and bespeaks the tale of love, romance and commitment.