Karva Chauth 2024: Why Women Wear Their Wedding Outfits During The Puja

Karva Chauth is one of the most significant fasts observed by married Hindu women for the long life and good health of their husbands. According to Bhopal-based astrologer and Vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma, the belief behind this fast is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and mythology. It is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Kartik month, which falls on Sunday, October 20 this year. This fast is considered a form of devotion, where women pray for their husband’s well-being and longevity.

Women observe a strict waterless fast from sunrise to moonrise, showcasing immense dedication. The red attire worn on Karva Chauth holds symbolic meaning as it represents marital bliss and prosperity, traditionally associated with the colour red in Hindu culture. Women who observe the fast for the first time typically wear their wedding dress as a tribute to the beginning of their marital journey, reinforcing the sanctity of marriage.

The tradition of wearing the wedding dress again on the first Karva Chauth carries a deep symbolic significance in Hindu culture. As per belief, when a bride wears her wedding attire during the marriage ceremony, especially during the sacred ritual of taking pheras (rounds around the fire), the dress is considered to become spiritually purified. The holy fire, which is a witness to the vows exchanged between the bride and groom, adds a divine energy to the wedding dress, further enhancing its sanctity. Wearing the same dress on the first Karva Chauth is seen as a continuation of the blessings and purity from the wedding day.

Wearing a wedding dress on Karva Chauth is believed to bring positive and auspicious results, but there are specific guidelines to ensure the ritual’s success and avoid any unintended negative outcomes. According to tradition, the dress must be in pristine condition to maintain its spiritual purity and ensure that the puja (worship) is effective. Let’s take a look at what other things devotees must ensure about the wedding outfit, before wearing it during puja:

1. Cleanliness: The wedding dress should be clean and fresh. Wearing a dirty dress for the Karva Chauth puja is considered disrespectful and can diminish the positive energy associated with the ritual.

   Undamaged Condition: The dress should not be torn or damaged in any way. A torn or worn-out dress could potentially bring negative energy or flaws into the puja, reducing its effectiveness. It is believed that this could result in inauspicious outcomes rather than the intended blessings for the husband’s long life and well-being.

   Preserving Sacred Energy: Since the wedding dress holds sacred significance due to the pheras around the holy fire, its condition directly influences the spiritual purity during the puja. Wearing it in a proper and respectful manner allows the positive energy and blessings to flow smoothly.