Karwa Chauth in 2025: Ritual of Love, Personal Choice or a Social Trend?

Karwa Chauth has been observed for centuries, a festival that celebrates the relationship between a husband and a wife. While the essential rituals are still intact, the motive of performing them and how they are performed are evolving. We asked women to tell us their views on Karwa Chauth today: is it a very personal act of worship, a social phenomenon, or a tradition that mixes old and new values? Their responses reveal a fascinating mix of views.

HerZindagi obtained these responses after circulating a Google form with some basic questions, where anonymous responses were allowed, so that we could see a clear picture without biases. 

Karwa Chauth In 2025: A Personal Choice And About Mutual Respect

Some women pointed out that fasting for Karwa Chauth must be a willing choice and not one imposed by family or society. As one respondent mentioned, "The essence of Karwa Chauth is love, gratitude, and celebration, not pressure to fast." This view is symptomatic of a larger movement towards individual freedom in matters of religion and tradition.

In the same line, a large number of women stressed the need for mutual participation. Most people think that if there is to be a celebration, then both partners must fast together. As one woman explained, "I personally think both the partners must fast for Karwa Chauth." This move from a one-way ritual to a combined experience gives the festival a new meaning as a strong symbol of love and respect between the partners.

One of the respondents elegantly summed up this feeling when she said, "I keep the Karva Chauth fast, but my husband does as well. We do the puja together, see the moon together, and break the fast together."

Many highlighted that their favourite bits about the festival were in fact the harder bits – like the nirjala fast (fasting without water). 

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The Rise Of ‘Insta-Worthy’ Karwa Chauth Celebrations

However, a different perspective emerged, pointing out the festival's commercialisation and shift towards social media. Several women expressed concern that Karwa Chauth has become more about appearances than devotion. "It has become a trend in which couples post pictures of each other," said one respondent, while another bluntly expressed, “Yes, it has become more about insta-worthy pictures than the celebration of love."

Of about 15 respondents, XXX thought that the festival had indeed evolved to fit “insta standards” where people dress up and post pictures, in place of focusing on the ritualistic elements. 

Karwa Chauth Relevance

Despite the varied opinions on its modern form, many women still find Karwa Chauth relevant. For some, it is a meaningful way to honour cultural traditions and the bond between partners, especially for those who have been celebrating it for years.

Image credits: Freepik

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