No ghar ka khaana for ladies in Lucknow on Karwa Chauth

Gone are the days when we saw the ladies of the house cook puri-kachori and paneer in preparation for breaking their fast after a whole day of fasting on Karwa Chauth. The new-age woman now either eats out or gets food home delivered from a restaurant to break her fast. Going by the claims made by hotels and restaurants in the city, bookings have already been made in advance by young couples in Lucknow for a dinner post the puja at home.In fact, according to them, the number of home deliveries lined up for today has also gone up this time.
"Five couples have already made reservations for dinner today for after the Karwa Chauth puja," shares Kumar Shobhan, general manager, Hyatt Regency. He adds, "Karva Chauth is no more a dull day for us. We are expecting a large number of couples at our hotel for dinner today."
Jatin Ahuja, owner of a lounge cum restaurant in Halwasiya, too agrees that Karwa Chauth is a good day for business for them. "For the past few years, the number of home delivery orders has gone up on Karwa Chuath. In fact, last year we had to appoint extra delivery boys for the day as the number of orders were quite in number. This year too we are hoping for the same, more so because it is a Sunday," shares Jatin, adding, "Mostly couples, young ones, make reservations too on Karwa Chauth at our restaurants."
Praveen Sharma, director, sales and marketing for Renaissance Hotel says that Karwa Chauth celebrations are becoming grand every year in the city. "Karwa Chauth is a good money making opportunity for our industry. Apart from organising several pre-Karwa Chauth parties, several reservations are made for the Karwa Chauth night too. While till some time back it used to be only a handful of couples who would come on that day for dinner, now the number has definitely gone up and interestingly we also have several booking for the entire family," shares Praveen, adding, "To make the night more memorable for the couples, we have also organised a live singing session with romantic tracks for them."
Anshuman Vikram Singh, manager, Domino's, Sapru Marg says that they generally see a full house on Karva Chauth. "For the past few years we have witnessed a record number of guests at our outlet,” says Anshuman, adding, “Mostly the ones coming today are newlyweds. While a large percentage of people also order for home delivery, especially around the time when the puja has to be done."
And lending credence to these claims, young wives in the city says that they definitely prefer to eat out or order food from outside for Karwa Chauth. Neha Bhushan, assistant professor at a private university, who will be celebrating her first Karwa Chauth after marriage says, "Since it is my first Karwa Chauth, my husband and I have planned to celebrate this special day by going out on a dinner date. After fasting the whole day, who will have the strength to cook food?"
Meha Sahani, owner of a boutique in Gomtinagar too has plans of eating out today. "It's been 9 years since I have been celebrating Karwa Chauth and every year I prefer to dine out with friends because we love to meet each other all decked up in those beautiful dresses and jewellery. Also, since I am a working woman, I prefer having a day off from household work. Since it is a Sunday this time and there will be a rush at the restaurant, we have already got our reservations done at a well-known restaurant in the city," shares Meha.
As for Anubhooti Singh, a professor at a private university, "Karwa Chauth is a family affair!" She adds, "On Karwa Chauth I take an off from cooking. We have organised a family get-together at a city club where we will be performing all the rituals together and then will break our fast, which will be followed by a grand dinner."
For Pallavi Garg, a teacher at a private school in the city, Karwa Chauth is a day to deck up and be pampered, so she has decided to eat out today and not cook at home. "Pura din fast rakhne ke baad, I don’t want to get into the kitchen to cook, that too when I am all decked up. So after the puja, my husband, kids and I will be eating out at our favourite Chinese restaurant," she shares.
— Prachi Arya