Sakat Chauth is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by married women in North India. It falls on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar. This year, Sakat Chauth will be observed on the 16th of January, 2022. The festival holds immense importance for married women as they observe a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
Significance of Sakat Chauth
Sakat Chauth is also known as Sakat Chauth Vrat or Tilkuta Chauth. The word “Sakat” refers to the cart, and “Chauth” means the fourth day. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It is believed that by observing this fast and performing the rituals associated with it, married women can seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the well-being of their husbands and families.
The festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. Women wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. They then observe a strict fast throughout the day, abstaining from food and water until the moonrise. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and performing the evening prayers.
Rituals of Sakat Chauth
1. Preparation: Women start their day by waking up early in the morning, taking a bath, and wearing traditional attire. They then prepare a special meal called “Sakat Chauth ki Thali” containing various delicacies like puris, kheer, and other traditional dishes.
2. Worship: Women offer prayers to Lord Ganesha by placing a small idol or image of the deity on a clean platform. They offer flowers, incense, sweets, and fruits as offerings to seek his blessings.
3. Fasting: Married women observe a day-long fast without consuming food or water. Some women also refrain from speaking for the entire day. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and performing the evening prayers.
4. Moonrise: Women eagerly wait for the moonrise as it marks the end of their fast. Once the moon is sighted, they offer water to the moon and seek blessings for the well-being of their husbands and families.
5. Feasting: After breaking their fast, women indulge in a sumptuous meal with their families. They exchange gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives to celebrate the festival.
FAQs
Q: Can unmarried women observe Sakat Chauth fast?
A: Sakat Chauth is primarily observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women can also observe the fast for their future husbands or for their own well-being.
Q: What are the benefits of observing Sakat Chauth fast?
A: Observing Sakat Chauth fast is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and longevity to the married couple. It is also said to remove obstacles and bring peace and harmony in the family.
Q: Can pregnant or nursing women observe the fast?
A: Pregnant or nursing women are advised to consult a doctor before observing the fast. They can also perform a modified version of the fast by consuming fruits and milk throughout the day.
In conclusion, Sakat Chauth is a beautiful festival that celebrates the bond between husband and wife. It is a day of devotion, prayer, and fasting to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the well-being of the family. The festival is marked by rituals, feasting, and celebrations that bring joy and happiness to the households. So, this Sakat Chauth, let us join in the festivities and celebrate the love and togetherness that binds us all.