Why Do We Fast on Karwa Chauth? The Story and Significance
करवा चौथ का व्रत क्यों रखते हैं? रानी वीरवती की कथा, अर्घ्य और छलनी का रहस्य
2026-08-31 · 5 min read · By Reeti Riwaaj Cultural Editorial
A full day without food or water, broken only by moonlight and a sieve. Here's what Karwa Chauth actually asks of those who observe it, and the legend behind it.
The Rigorous Vrat: From Pre-Dawn Sargi to Moonrise
Observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi, Karwa Chauth is one of Hinduism's most rigorous fasts. It is a strict Nirjala vrat—abstaining from both food and a single drop of water from sunrise until the moon is sighted at night.
The day commences before sunrise with Sargi, a nourishing traditional meal prepared with love by the mother-in-law. It includes fruits, sweets, feniyan, and dry fruits, representing affectionate maternal blessings for the fasting daughter-in-law.
The Legend of Queen Veeravati
The canonical story recited during the evening puja centers on Queen Veeravati, the only sister among seven devoted brothers. Observing her first Karwa Chauth, Veeravati grew faint from hunger and dehydration.
Unable to bear her agony, her brothers climbed a distant pipal tree with a mirror and a lantern, tricking her into believing the moon had risen. Trusting them, she broke her fast prematurely, only to receive urgent news that her royal husband had suddenly fallen gravely ill.
Repentant, Veeravati committed herself to penance and observed the fast with complete purity and devotion on the next occasion. Pleased by her unblemished resolve, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva restored her husband to life.
Why Look at the Moon Through a Sieve?
The iconic practice of looking through a sieve (chalni) originates directly from Veeravati's cautionary tale. A sieve filters out deceit and ensures clear, unclouded vision.
Fasting women first behold the radiant moon through the mesh, offering water (Arghya) to Chandra Dev, and then turn to behold their husband through the same mesh. This signifies that love and companionship must be filtered clean of any ego, illusion, or negativity.
सार एवं आध्यात्मिक संदेश (Spiritual Essence)
"Karwa Chauth is an embodiment of selfless love, mutual loyalty, and the sacred conviction that devoted resolve has the power to overcome death itself."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do married women fast on Karwa Chauth?
Women fast without food and water to pray for the longevity, prosperity, and good health of their husbands, while reaffirming marital devotion and mutual sacrifice.
Why is the moon looked at through a sieve on Karwa Chauth?
Viewing the moon and husband through a sieve symbolizes filtering out illusions, falsehoods, and negativity, referencing the legend of Veeravati who was deceived by a fake moon.
Who is worshipped on Karwa Chauth?
Goddess Parvati (revered as Karwa Mata), along with Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and the Moon God (Chandra Deva) are worshipped during the evening puja.