Journalism of Courage
Dressing up for Karwa Chauth is as important a part of the ritual, as the ritual itself. While women fast during the day and wait for the moon to show up in the sky at night, they dress their best and look presentable while doing the puja. Here, some women can be seen walking with their puja thalis in Lucknow. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
It is said that the puja has to be performed with great devotion, so as to appease Lord Shiva, and seek his blessings for the long and healthy life of husbands. Women break their fast only after the puja is complete. In masks, these women can be seen performing the rituals at a temple in Mohali. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)
The fasting time is fixed, in that it has to be done for a certain duration of time. Most women do it nirjala, meaning they do not even drink water, or eat any kind of fruit either. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)
In pandemic, it is important for people to first stay safe and then perform rituals. While small gatherings are allowed, people are expected to maintain social distancing and wear masks at all times. In this photo, these married women perform the Karwa Chauth ritual, as they sit in a temple in Panchkula in Haryana. (Express photo by Jaipal Singh)
Earlier in the day, married women in Lucknow were also captured on camera looking resplendent in sarees, as they sat together and made offerings to the gods. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
Katha time: A woman in Lucknow takes a quick break and poses for the camera. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
Women around the country celebrated the day with much fervour, braving the pandemic, and looking their very best. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastav)
Female police officers were also seen on duty. While they wore henna on their hands, being in service of the country was certainly more important to them. (Express photo by Gurmeet Singh)
They were spotted earlier in the day in Ludhiana. (Express photo by Gurmeet Singh)
