Journalism of Courage
For several married women,today is a day of fasting,prayer and love. Karva Chauth is a day dedicated to the health and long life of their husbands. But alongside the rituals and customs is the fun factor that begins a couple of days in advance. Right from dressing up in bright Indian attire to applying mehendi and partying away with the girls,women sure know how to gear up for the big day.
Every year,in Pune,Karva Chauth parties are held at various hotels and homes of women,and needless to add,the turn-out goes well into hundreds. On Monday,women congregated at Le Royce where
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.
