Sakat Chauth, also known as Tilkuta Chauth, falls on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Magha. This festival holds special significance for married women who observe a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival is primarily celebrated in North India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. In 2024, Sakat Chauth will be observed on Tuesday, 29th January.
Significance of Sakat Chauth
Sakat Chauth is a significant festival as it symbolizes the strong bond between husband and wife in Hindu culture. Women fast from sunrise to moonrise and break their fast after sighting the moon. The fast is believed to bestow health, prosperity, and happiness upon their spouses. It is also seen as an opportunity for women to pray for the wellness and success of their family as a whole.
Rituals of Sakat Chauth
1. Fasting: Women observe a day-long fast without consuming food or water from sunrise to moonrise. The fast is broken after sighting the moon in the evening.
2. Sankalp: Before beginning the fast, women take a resolution or sankalp to observe the fast sincerely and pray for the well-being of their husbands.
3. Puja: In the evening, women perform puja to Lord Ganesha and the Moon God. They offer prayers, incense sticks, fruits, and flowers to seek blessings for their husbands’ long life and prosperity.
4. Katha: Women listen to the Sakat Chauth vrat katha, a story that narrates the significance of the fast and the associated rituals.
5. Moon Sighting: The fast is concluded after women see the moon through a sieve. They offer water to the moon before breaking their fast.
Foods Eaten During Sakat Chauth
After breaking the fast, women consume a special meal that includes particular foods believed to bring blessings and prosperity:
– Sargi: A traditional pre-dawn meal eaten before sunrise, which typically consists of dry fruits, sweets, and nuts.
– Feni: A sweet dish made of vermicelli, milk, and sugar, usually consumed after breaking the fast.
– Pheni: Another version of the sweet dish made with milk and vermicelli that is offered during the evening puja.
FAQs about Sakat Chauth:
1. Can unmarried women observe Sakat Chauth?
– While Sakat Chauth is primarily observed by married women, unmarried women can also observe the fast for the well-being of their future spouses.
2. What is the significance of applying mehendi (henna) on Sakat Chauth?
– Applying mehendi is considered auspicious for married women as it symbolizes prosperity and well-being for their husbands.
3. Is there a specific way to dress for Sakat Chauth puja?
– Women traditionally wear traditional attire like sarees or suits in bright colors for the puja.
4. Can pregnant or menstruating women observe the fast?
– Pregnant and menstruating women are exempt from fasting as per Hindu traditions. They can still participate in the rituals without fasting.
5. Are there variations in the way Sakat Chauth is celebrated in different regions of India?
– Yes, while the core rituals remain similar, there may be variations in food, customs, and specific traditions observed in different regions.
Sakat Chauth is a festival that celebrates the sacred bond between husband and wife and reinforces the importance of love, devotion, and well-being in a marital relationship. By observing the fast and performing the rituals with sincerity and dedication, married women seek blessings for their husbands and families, making this festival a cherished tradition in Hindu culture.
