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Karwa Chauth is an important Hindu festival for married women, who fast from food and water until the moon rises as a gesture of love and devotion for their husbands, praying for their well-being and long life. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on October 20, marking a significant day for married Hindu women. This year’s festivities are particularly noteworthy, as they coincide with Kartik Sankashti Chaturthi, another revered occasion in the Hindu calendar.
As the sun sets and the moon appears, women eagerly await the moment to break their fast, often donning traditional attire and performing elaborate prayers. However, while this cherished tradition carries profound significance, the day-long fast can present challenges for women living with diabetes, requiring careful planning and monitoring to ensure their health remains stable during the festivities.
Karwa Chauth Rituals
The first Karwa Chauth holds special importance for any married woman. It is a meaningful day for both the wife and husband, with newlyweds receiving well-wishes and gifts from family, friends, and relatives.
A tradition for women celebrating their first Karwa Chauth is to receive blessings and gifts from both their in-laws and their own family, making them feel valued on this day.
In some traditions, the newlywed daughter-in-law presents a specially prepared ‘Baya,’ which includes items like food, clothes, jewellery, and wedding-related gifts.
On Karwa Chauth, a cherished tradition known as Sargi takes place. The mother-in-law prepares a special plate filled with delicious treats for her daughter-in-law, including seasonal fruits, savory mathri, dry fruits, and other delightful snacks.
Newly married women should begin their day early by taking a bath, cleansing their home temple, lighting a lamp, and offering prayers to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya. They then take an oath to perform the nirjala vrat (fast without water) and listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha.
Brides on this special occasion adorn themselves in bright red traditional attire, complete with sixteen exquisite ornaments and intricate henna designs on their hands and feet. While white and black are generally considered unlucky, brown is linked to the negative planetary energies of Rahu and Ketu. Women can choose colours such as red, pink, yellow, green, and maroon.
Karwa Chauth 2024: Tips for Diabetic Women
A) Pre-Fast Planning:
Before you start fasting, talk to your doctor. They can assess your health, adjust your medication if necessary, and provide personalized guidance.
Also read: Navratri 2024: Fasting Tips and Traditions
Plan Your Carbs: Eat a balanced meal the night before the fast, focusing on complex carbs like whole grains to give you steady energy and help keep your blood sugar stable.
Check Blood Sugar: Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels before the fast to understand your normal range and spot any changes.
B) During the Fast:
Monitor Blood Sugar: Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels, especially during times of stress or physical activity. If your blood sugar falls significantly, consume a carbohydrate-rich drink or snack.
Avoid Excessive Physical Activity: While light exercise can help manage stress, avoid intense activities that could lead to low blood sugar.
C) Post-Fast Nutrition:
Ease Back into Eating: Don’t overeat right after the fast. Gradually reintroduce food.
Choose Balanced Meals: Focus on fibre, protein, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar and maintain energy.
Track Blood Sugar: Keep monitoring your blood sugar for a few days to ensure it returns to normal.
The Bottom line
Fasting with diabetes requires careful planning and monitoring. By following these tips and consulting your doctor, you can safely celebrate Karwa Chauth while staying healthy.
