Hues of Karva Chauth

Swati Sharma / TNN / Oct 9, 2006, 00:38 IST

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Karva Chauth - associated with women fasting and praying for their husbands' long lives - has now become a more desi version of Valentine's Day.

NEW DELHI: It's no longer just about tradition. Karva Chauth — associated with women fasting and praying for their husbands' long lives — has now become a more desi version of Valentine's Day.
For the double-income couples in the city, which are constantly trying to come to grips with their odd-working hours and inability to spend time together, this festival especially means a way of getting together.
Also, for many women it's yet another opportunity to go shopping and receive gifts.
Even though Karva Chauth is falling on a Tuesday this year and is a regular working day for many women in the city, the evening has already been set aside for heavy saris, expensive jewellery and fashion accessories, complemented by mehendi-decorated hands.

"Life has become so hectic these days that we hardly get any time together. Although I don't believe that one day of fasting can in any way affect my husband's life, I still believe that it's a way to tell him that I care," said Rinku Malhotra, a doctor and resident of Pitampura.
There are many others who follow the age-old tradition just to respect the sentiments of the elderly in the family. Said 26-year-old Anu Malhotra, a software engineer: "I don't think one needs a special day to pray for the well-being of their husband. But still I adhere to all the traditional values because that keeps the family happy. However, I like it when my husband gives me a surprise gift."

A rather recent trend has seen husbands also fasting for their partners. Said Sumit Arora, an MNC executive: "If my wife can fast, so can I. After all it's all about caring and sharing. For us the festival means a day to celebrate our togetherness and pray for its long life."
And even as couples eagerly wait for Tuesday's moon, shopkeepers are busy making hay while the sun shines. In the past few days, saree shops, jewellers and even neighbourhood parlours have been doing brisk business.
But those profiting the most this festival season are choodi-wallahs and mehendi-wallahs. While on any normal day, one can get henna applied for around Rs 50-75 per hand, the prices have now gone up to Rs 150 to Rs 250 at the Henna Market in Connaught Place.
Bangle prices too have soared — a pair now costs up to Rs 700. "Every year I come to Hanuman Mandir to get henna applied on my hands and buy bangles. I know they overcharge but I don't really mind. For me it's a way to get back to the roots" said Suchandrika Soni, a resident of South Extension.
And its not just women who are on a spending spree, even men are burning holes in their wallets to buy gifts for their spouses. "I don't fast the whole day but I always buy my wife a gift to express my love and concern. It's a very small gesture but it makes her very happy," said Manish Sharma, a bank official.

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