Karwa Chauth may evolve with every relationship, but its essence remains the same: love, companionship and the freedom to celebrate it in one’s own way, writes
A PARTNERSHIP OF EQUALS
Ashu Gauri, President of the Phulkari-TPS Sabha Ladies Wing, sees this shift as part of a broader change in modern relationships, where mutual understanding increasingly takes precedence over obligation.
While many women continue to observe the traditional day-long fast and pray for their husbands’ well-being, others are embracing newer ways to celebrate the occasion. Some husbands fast alongside their wives, while other couples mark the day by dressing up, exchanging gifts, sharing a meal or simply spending quality time together without observing the fast.
“For couples who fast together, the experience becomes a shared journey of faith and togetherness. It’s no longer just about a wife's prayers for her husband's well-being, but about a husband's willingness to participate in a tradition that holds emotional and cultural significance." Gauri says.
MAKING A TRADITION HER OWN
For Devashree Gupta Jain, Co-founder and Chef at DeLour Baking, this year's celebration carries a special significance: it is her first Karwa Chauth. Having grown up in a mixed-culture family, as did her husband, she has always viewed traditions as something that can evolve with the people who practise them.
“This year is my first Karwa Chauth, and I have chosen to fast. For me, there is something rather special about experiencing a tradition that I have grown up seeing the women around me observe. It feels less like following a rule and more like creating a memory of my own — a small, personal expression of love and a connection to something that has been part of so many women’s lives before me,” she says.
For Jain, the significance lies as much in personal choice as in the tradition itself. She believes couples should be free to decide whether to fast together, have only one partner observe the fast, or celebrate without fasting altogether.
“Traditions are most meaningful when they leave room for us to bring a little of ourselves to them,” she says.
LOVE, THE WAY WE FEEL IT TODAY
Disha Gawri, CEO and Founder of Diva Fashions and Co-founder of Disha Trends, believes the festival is evolving to reflect the way couples experience love today. “Today, some couples fast together, some celebrate with a special dinner, exchange thoughtful gifts, plan a little getaway, or simply spend quality time away from their busy routines. Others adapt the ritual to suit their beliefs and circumstances,” she says.
For Gawri, the essence lies in understanding what the occasion means to each partner rather than adhering to a prescribed set of rituals. “Perhaps the new-age meaning of Karwa Chauth is celebrating not just a long life together, but a beautiful life together.”
A PARTNERSHIP OF EQUALS
For Niraj and Sushmita Totla, directors of Kamal Watch Co., the growing practice of couples fasting together reflects the idea that marriage is a partnership of equals.
“Couples fasting together reflects the belief that marriage is a partnership of equals, where love, care, and commitment are mutual. It’s a beautiful way of embracing tradition while reinforcing that the responsibility of nurturing and cherishing a relationship belongs to both partners,” they say.
However, not every couple chooses to observe the traditional fast. Some celebrate through prayers, thoughtful gestures, quality time or simply being present for each other. The ritual may evolve, but its emotional significance can remain intact.
FASHION, FUN AND FULL-ON PUNJABI DRAMA!
For Bhavna Chopra, graphic designer & creative strategist, Karwa Chauth is as much about dressing up and having fun as it is about love and tradition. From gorgeous suits and sarees to jewellery, bangles, mehendi and makeup, the excitement begins well before moonrise. “There’s so much fun in getting dressed up, admiring each other’s outfits, exchanging compliments and, of course, clicking endless selfies! For us Punjabi women, even a fast comes with fashion, fun and a little full-on drama.”But beneath all the glamour lies the emotion of the occasion. “After a day of fasting, laughter and rituals, nothing beats the moment when the moon finally appears, we look at it through the chhalni, see our husbands and take first sip of water. It’s a beautiful mix of tradition, excitement and love,” Bhavna says, adding: “A little tradition, lots of masti, a touch of glamour and a whole lot of love — that’s Karwa Chauth for me!”
Highlight: Moonrise, traditional attire and prayers keep the tradition alive, even as couples make it their own
