Kartik (November) month holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism, marked by rituals like worship, fasting, pilgrimages, holy baths, and lighting lamps, believed to bring health, prosperity, and divine blessings. Several major mythological events occurred in this sacred month—such as Lord Kartikeya’s slaying of Tarakasura, Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana, Lord Krishna’s destruction of Bhaumasura, and Goddess Lakshmi’s emergence during the Samudra Manthan. The Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in Kartik is observed as Karwa Chauth, a fast mentioned in the Narada Purana for marital bliss. It is predominantly observed by married women across India—known as Atla Taddi in South India and Gauri Tritiya or Kaan Chauth in Jammu & Kashmir—signifying deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions.

The origin of Karwa Chauth is found in ancient scriptures.

Vratotsav Chandrika (8.1, p. 234, Bharat Dharma Press) mentions that when Arjuna went to Kilgiri mountain for penance, a worried Draupadi was advised by Lord Krishna to observe this fast. She did so, and Arjuna returned safely.

2.Another legend from the Shiv-Parvati dialogue narrates that in Satyuga, young Ganesha, obeying Parvati, stopped Lord Shiva from entering her chamber. Unaware of Ganesha’s identity, Shiva beheaded him in anger, and the severed head fell on the moon. Grief-stricken, Parvati gave up food and water. Later, Shiva revived Ganesha and made him the foremost deity of worship. Since then, Kartik Krishna Chaturthi—Karwa Chauth—became the day to worship the moon as a symbol of both Shiva and Ganesha. The moon, representing beauty, attraction, and mental steadiness, is offered arghya through a karwa (earthen pot) after a day-long nirjala (waterless) fast by women praying for their husband’s longevity and marital harmony.

“Kartik Krishna Chaturthi is Karaka Chaturthi.

“It must be observed when it coincides with........

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