Karwa Chauth is always exciting for a woman observing it for the first time. From the sargi to the evening puja, the day offers a unique, memorable experience, from listening to the Vrat Katha to singing folk songs.
It is considered highly auspicious for a woman to wear traditional red or maroon attire on her first Karwa Chauth. However, when it comes to fasting and dietary customs, women observing the fast for the first time often follow the traditions practised within their respective families.
As is well known, the Karwa Chauth fast is nirjala, meaning it is observed without food or water after the sargi meal. However, according to certain family and social traditions, how the first fast is observed often sets a precedent for future years.
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If some flexibility is allowed during the first year, many families advise consuming certain light yet healthy foods like dry fruits, milk, or juices to make future fasts easier for women during illness, pregnancy, or old age. This approach can help women continue observing the Karwa Chauth fast without unnecessary stress or health concerns.
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What To Do On Your First Karwa Chauth
Newlywed women who are planning to observe the Karwa Chauth fast this year may have sargi (a pre-dawn meal). While the tradition of having sargi is not followed in every family, it can help you stay energised throughout the day during this waterless (nirjala) fast.
For those who have sargi, the meal should include protein and healthy fats. Paneer parathas and besan chilla are good sources of protein, while almonds, walnuts and cashews provide healthy fats.
Women observing the fast for the first time, provided their family permits it, may eat a small amount of dry fruits at intervals during the day.
