The married women observed Karva Chauth on Wednesday through fasting from sunrise till the time the moon emerged, praying for long lives of their husbands. At noon, draped in fancy saris and glittering ornaments, they thronged temples to offer prayers for the peace and prosperity of their conjugal life. The moon appearing at around 8.44 pm in Dehradun, the devotees performed the rituals as per tradition.
The State capital was abuzz with activities on Wednesday with the State Government having declared a holiday to facilitate the women working in Government offices and educational institutions to observe Kurva Chauth.
Mehndi makers did a brisk business on Wednesday too, taking advantage of the last-minute shoppers, especially working women. Bangle sellers and sellers of artificial jewellery had also a busy time.
In the evening hours, many women prayed together. Dressed in red, orange, magenta and golden colours, the women looked gorgeous and elegant.
The advancement in technology has come handy for many women observing fast whose better haves were not with them on the day.
Mohit Nagar resident Amrita Sharma, whose husband was working in private sector in Delhi, said they have found a solution. “I broke the fast by seeing and talking to him through video conferencing from mobile app phone, once I saw the moon. Thanks to the technology, for it has brought us too close,” said Sharma.
Mahima Gulati, a homemaker, Raipur said “ It was difficult for me to keep the fast since my daughter was only three months old, but the day, being special, I felt energetic and active. In the evening I performed the ritual.”
Women saw the clock several times as the time of muhrath fixed at 8.44 pm this year is deemed as auspicious to see the moon and the husbands, said an astrologer.
Anita Sharma, another housewife from Rajpur, said, “Karva Chauth is most important festival for the married women. I kept a strict fast for the whole day without taking even water. In the evening I performed rituals as per the tradition.”
Nidhi Kaur, resident of Chakrata Road, who is celebrating her fifth Karva Chauth this year, said, “My husband’s job involves a lot of touring and he often remains out of town. I really thank the latest technology which has made everything possible. On the occasion of Karva Chauth I break my fast by video conferencing with my husband”, she said.