The fast most commonly associated with a wife fasting for her husband's well-being is Karva Chauth.
Karva Chauth is a one-day festival celebrated predominantly in North India by married Hindu women. On this day, wives observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands.
Here's a breakdown of Karva Chauth:
- Purpose: The primary purpose of the fast is for the long life and well-being of the husband.
- Observance: Married women abstain from food and water from sunrise until the moon is sighted.
- Rituals: The day includes prayers, puja (worship), and storytelling. Women often gather with other married women to perform these rituals.
- Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken after sighting the moon and offering prayers. The husband traditionally offers his wife the first sip of water and the first bite of food.
- Significance: Karva Chauth is considered a symbol of the love and devotion between a husband and wife.
While Karva Chauth is the most well-known example, wives might observe other fasts for the well-being of their husbands depending on their family traditions, regional customs, and religious beliefs. These could include specific days dedicated to certain deities or other auspicious occasions.
