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Jewelery is the most common
gifts |
Inspite of being one of the toughest fast, Karva Chauth is
always looked forward and is welcomed by married woman with great
fervor. One of the reason behind this joy and happiness is the golden
chance of receiving expensive and beautiful gifts from their husbands
and relatives. As this festival is considered very important for married
women, all the symbols that reflects the marriage status of a woman is
in high demand such as jewelery, bangles, henna, sarees, lehnga choli
and many other traditional gifts.
Gifts given on the Karva Chauth day is an expression of love between
man and wife. Karva Chauth is particularly special for a newly-wed woman
who gets decked up in her bridal finery. The most common gifts given on
this day range from new clothes, sweets, jewelery to anything that can
make a married woman feel happy and satisfied. During this festive
occasion, jewelers and apparel makers get into the act, with special
collections and designs at every price point imaginable. Thus, women
observing a fast for the well-being of their husbands are rewarded with
gifts by their husbands, mothers-in-law and other relatives.
Sargi
Sargi and Baya are the two most important gifting items, as without
them the festival of Karva chauth is incomplete. These gift items are
very traditional and are supposed to bring good luck in the lives of the
married couple. It is Mother-in-laws who gift 'sargi' for their
daughter-in-laws. This 'sargi' is a collection of sumptuous food
consists of various types of sweetmeats and sometime clothes. 'Sargi' is
given to the married woman so that she can eat them before sunrise, as
the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon
at night. It is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or
water.
Baya
In the afternoon, mothers of newly wed girls gift 'Baya' to the parents
of their son-in-law. This Baya contains few Mathris, Almonds and some
gifts. This gift pack should reach the girl's house before evening. A
small pooja to Gaura Ma or goddess Parvati is performed. Married women
sit around Gaura ma and pray to her for the well being and long life of
their husbands. A small pitcher or Karva with some water is placed in
the center. While the story is being narrated, ladies circulate their
Baya thalis. Apart from traditional gifts, nowadays there is a norm of
showering various designers clothes, bindies and jeweleries, specially
to a newly wed woman.