The Karva Chauth fast is observed by married women on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Kartik month. The full benefits of the fast are achieved only by giving a 'bayna' (gift) during the fast. Hindu festivals occur throughout the year. During Chaturmas, Lord Shiva governs the entire universe, and the fasts and religious rituals performed during this period provide the fruits of all the rituals. As soon as the month of Kartik begins, married women observe the Karva Chauth fast on the Chaturthi Tithi, observing a waterless fast for the long life and good health of their husbands. The tradition of giving a 'bayna' (gift) during the fast is ancient, and married women give it to their mother-in-law. However, if a woman's mother-in-law is absent, who will receive the full benefits of the fast? Let's explore the details.

What is given as 'bayna'?
Haridwar's learned religious leader, Pandit Shridhar Shastri, explains that married women observe the Karva Chauth fast for the long life and good health of their husbands. The Karva Chauth fast is one of the most difficult fasts. Women observe it by fasting without water, and, after seeing the moon, they perform prayers and consume water. According to tradition, women observing the fast give their mother-in-law a gift consisting of fruits, sweets, clothes, money, and cosmetics. Married mothers-in-law are given cosmetics as part of the gift, but if the mother-in-law is not married, the tradition is to omit the cosmetics from the gift.

What if there is no one?
How can a woman reap the full benefits of Karva Chauth if she doesn't have a mother-in-law? Answering this question, Pandit Shridhar Shastri explains that if a woman doesn't have a mother-in-law, she can give the gift to her elder sister-in-law. If she doesn't have a sister-in-law, she can complete her fast without any obstacles by giving the gift to an elderly woman in her neighborhood. By doing this, women reap the full benefits of the Karva Chauth fast, and their relationships remain harmonious.

PC Social Media