The festival of Karwa Chauth is considered a symbol of faith and love for married women. On this day, women observe a *nirjala* (waterless) fast, praying for their husbands' longevity, good health, and happiness in their marital life. In 2026, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29. During this fast, women abstain from even drinking water from sunrise until they sight and worship the moon at night. The fast begins with the consumption of *sargi* before sunrise.

According to Ujjain-based astrologer Anand Bhardwaj, the tradition of *sargi* on Karwa Chauth has existed for centuries. But do you know why consuming *sargi* before sunrise holds such special significance? Married women partake in *sargi* before beginning their waterless fast to ensure they have enough energy to sustain them throughout the day. Let us explore what food items are considered auspicious to include in the *sargi* platter, the correct time to consume it, and whether it is possible to observe the fast without it. According to the Hindu calendar, the *Chaturthi Tithi* (fourth lunar day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase) in the month of Kartika will begin at 1:06 AM on October 29 and conclude at 10:09 PM on the same night. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise) and established fasting traditions, Karwa Chauth will be observed on October 29 this year.

Why is *sargi* essential on Karwa Chauth?
*Sargi* holds special significance on Karwa Chauth. Typically, a mother-in-law prepares this platter—to be consumed before sunrise—and presents it to her daughter-in-law with love and blessings. According to religious beliefs, *sargi* symbolizes unbroken marital bliss, a happy married life, and a strong bond between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. Through this tradition, the mother-in-law expresses her wishes for her daughter-in-law’s well-being and the longevity of her son (the daughter-in-law's husband). The *sargi* platter includes items like fruits, nuts, and other nutritious foods, which provide the body with sufficient energy before the commencement of the waterless fast. However, the tradition of 'Sargi' and the items included in the 'Sargi' platter may vary from region to region.

What does the Karwa Chauth 'Sargi' consist of?
There is a tradition of consuming 'Sargi' before the Karwa Chauth fast begins. The 'Sargi' platter includes items that help provide energy to the body while one remains without food or water throughout the day. It typically contains *pheni* (a type of vermicelli) or *sewaiyan* (vermicelli) served with milk, along with fruits such as apples, bananas, and pomegranates. Almonds, cashews, raisins, and walnuts are also part of the platter. Additionally, it may include sweets, *kheer* (rice pudding), *parathas*, or *matthi* (a savory fried snack). Furthermore, the mother-in-law blesses her daughter-in-law by gifting her—along with the 'Sargi'—items such as *sindoor* (vermilion), bangles, *bindi*, *mehndi* (henna), and new clothes.

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