The markets in the city saw women on a buying spree on Saturday, Karva Chauth slated on Sunday. The married women observe Karva Chauth through fasting from sunrise till the time the moon emerges, praying for long lives of their husbands. Technology would also help some women observe the ritual associated with the day as they would see their husbands through video conferencing. The festival falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik as per the Hindu solar calendar, said a priest Bal Krishan.
The markets were found buzzing with activities with the married women thronging to purchase items like jewellery, saris and bangles. Heena being an inseparable part of the observance, many young married women were found waiting to be applied Heena on their hands at different places- Paltan Bazaar and Raipur Road on Saturday.
Anuradha who was found shopping at Paltan Bazaar said that many shopkeepers were offering discounts to attract the buyers.
Manisha who married last year was found sitting outside a shop at Moti Bazaar where the experts on applying Heena were attending to the customers. She said, “This year, I would observe Karva Chauth kauth and I am very excited for that. I came at Paltan Bazaar to have Heena applied on my hand ahead of the occasion. It feels nice with hands sparking with Heena,” she said.
Raipur resident Harshita Kaur said, “I have been observing Karva Chauth since I got married five years ago. I wish to observe Karva Chauth throughout my life. This year too, I am very excited to keep fast for her husband. Women love to look the best on Karva Chauth. I am no exception.”
The traders of various markets—Paltan Bazaar, Dhamawala, Peepal Mandi, Hamuman Chowk, Jhanda Bazaar as well as the Malls and commercial complexes are doing brisk business. Glass bangles are being mostly preferred by the women, said Aman Gupta, a shopkeeper at Paltan Bazaar.
Vandana Semwal, a bank employee, said, “Despite drastic changes in the lifestyle and views, the traditions of fasting for wellbeing of husbands has not lost its meaning for women. The Karva Chauth tradition continues to thrive even among the women who are well educated and ambitious. As for me, my relation with my husband remaining secure, observing fast for a day in a year is no big deal.”
Mohit Nagar resident Anuradha Sharma whose husband, working for a private company in Delhi would not make it to Dehradun this time said they have found a solution. “I will break the fast by seeing and talking to him through video conferencing from mobile app phone, once I see the moon. Technology will bring us close,” she said.