Karwa Chauth is one of the most auspicious festivals for married women in India. While the day of celebration differs depending on whether a region follows the Purnimanta or the Amanta calendar, its essence remains the same. It is a day to celebrate love and devotion with married women fasting from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being of their husbands.
However, the husband-and-wife bond isn’t the only relationship celebrated during Karwa Chauth. A daughter-in-law and a mother-in-law also deepen their bond and cherish one another on this special occasion. So, here’s more on the sargi and baya rituals that especially involve them.
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Movies and TV shows usually focus on the Karwa Chauth rituals between a husband and wife because of the romantic appeal. However, the sargi ritual is given very little importance despite it being an absolutely beautiful custom. It typically takes place one day before Karwa Chauth between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law.
The mother-in-law prepares a pre-dawn thali for her daughter-in-law ahead of her long day of fasting. This sargi thali symbolises her love and blessings for the latter. The daughter-in-law is expected to wake up early and shower before she can have the lovingly prepared thali. This ritual always takes place before sunrise.
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Mother-in-laws who don’t live in the same city as their bahus send them a thali regardless. But if she cannot do so, the sister-in-law may step in to do the ritual. Also, it is considered a good omen to share the sargi thali with one’s friends and relatives.
Given its thoughtfulness, talking about the sargi thali without detailing what goes into it would be a crime. It features fresh fruits that are high in water content to keep the bahus hydrated. It also includes dry fruits, which are a high source of protein and energy and a must when fasting.
The thali may also come with roti and cooked food like halwa that keep the married women full without causing indigestion. And finally, it often has some Indian mithai because an Indian festival wouldn’t be complete without something for the sweet tooth. Besides the thali, a mother-in-law also gifts the daughter-in-law shringar items, like mehendi, sindoor, bangles, bindis, and more.
On the day of Karwa Chauth, mothers of newlywed girls gift baya to their daughter’s in-laws. Traditionally, the baya would contain mathris, almonds, and a few other gifts. But in modern times, it has become increasingly common to gift clothes, jewellery, and bindis being offered as well.
Married girls offer baya to their mother-in-law to seek blessings for a happy life with their husbands. If a mother-in-law cannot accept the baya, another elderly lady of the house may do it on her behalf.
Sargi and baya are not mere rituals but also opportunities for a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law to deepen their bond. The thoughtfulness that goes into preparing for both customs offers a chance for women to form a connection and understanding. It is a day for a daughter-in-law to feel embraced by her new family as well as a day for a mother-in-law to express her appreciation and affection.
What do you think about the beautiful customs of sargi and baya in Karwa Chauth?
Also Read: Last-Minute 'Alta' Ideas For Married Women For Karwa Chauth: Minimal, Quick And Easy To Try
