The Fast Lane

Meenu Gandhi and Guddi Manny had organised an afternoon party that was compered by Shivani Khullar. While the DJ dished out Bollywood tracks,the women indulged in appetising food and even sat down for a mehendi session. Homemaker Usha Agarwal,who attended the party with her daughter Shweta,reveals,“It was a really good party. There was mehendi,bangles,dancing. Some ladies sang some numbers while some even participated in a beauty contest. Since my daughter is getting married next month,I took her along so that she could get a feel of the function. She even won a prize on the ramp!” At these ramp contests,the winner is usually crowned as Mrs Karva Chauth.

The main ingredient at these parties is fun. Preity Mody,who is quite a regular attendee,adds,“Different people organise these parties at hotels and the fee is usually inclusive of mehendi,chudi,bindis and food. Applying mehendi is a custom and one of the highlights at these parties. Then there’s dancing and even the traditional dholki. The older ladies play the dhol and sing traditional songs.” These parties are usually held one day prior to Karva Chauth. Mody adds,“It’s like a feast before the fasting. Women dress their best in red and orange Indianwear and adorn themselves in heavy jewellery.” From the food to the décor,each detail reflects a celebration. The venue is usually decorated with marigold flowers. “It reminds one of the festivities of Diwali. Also,several contests are held like the Best Dressed or the Best Dancer,” Mody says.

There are some women who prefer partying on the day of Karva Chauth in order to keep themselves occupied through the long wait for the moon. Seema Malhotra,chairperson,Weikfield Mnemonix,is hosting an afternoon party for close friends today. She says,“This is the second year that I will be having this party. About 50 friends will come over in the afternoon for tambola and card games. Then we will sit together for the main puja between 4 and 5 pm. After that,those who stay back will play more games till the moon comes out.”