As Nepal is diverse culturally, foods in this country have different tastes and flavours. Yet, there are some food items that are common to all and hence unify the country. Of them, sel roti (or, simply, sel) is one. Shape-wise, sel roti is a Nepali doughnut. It is a traditional Nepali ring-shaped sweet bread that is deep-fried in oil or ghee and made with granulated rice or rice flour. This authentic Nepali sweet is loved by most Nepalis and is considered mandatory during Hindu festivals and ceremonies like Dashain, Tihar, Teej, weddings, bratabandhas, and others. Not only in Nepal, but sel roti is also made and enjoyed by many Nepali-speaking communities in Sikkim , Darjeeling , and of late, wherever Nepalis are there . Additionally, this delicacy is also available in many local restaurants in Nepal. And, sel roti is also sent as a gift (koseli) or as a prasad to family members and friends living away from home during any puja or ceremony or festival. Instead of buying s
Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival
celebrated by married women in North India, particularly in the states of
Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It falls on the fourth
day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, typically in October or
November, depending on the lunar calendar.She prays to the moon wishing her husband good health and long life.
During Karva Chauth, married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. The word "Karva" means clay pot, and "Chauth" refers to the fourth day of the lunar fortnight. On this day, women wake up early, perform rituals, and observe a strict fast without consuming food or water until they see the moon in the evening.
The key customs and rituals of Karva Chauth include:
- Sargi: Before sunrise, a woman's mother-in-law traditionally prepares a pre-dawn meal called "Sargi." It usually consists of various food items, sweets, and gifts. The daughter-in-law consumes this meal to sustain herself throughout the day.
- Fasting:
Married women fast from sunrise until they sight the moon in the evening. It is
a rigorous fast, with no food or water allowed during the day.
- Prayers and Pujas:
Throughout the day, women gather for prayers and puja (worship) ceremonies.
They offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the Moon for the
well-being and longevity of their husbands.
- Breaking the Fast:
The fast is broken only after the moonrise. Women usually break their fast by
looking at the moon through a sieve and then at their husband's face. The
husband often offers water and a bite of food to his wife to break her fast.
- Sweets and Gifts:
Married women exchange gifts and sweets with other family members and friends.
This exchange strengthens bonds among women and fosters a sense of community.
Karva Chauth is a significant cultural and religious festival that showcases the love and dedication of married women towards their husbands. It is also a day for women to dress up in traditional attire, often wearing bright and colorful outfits, mehndi (henna) on their hands, and jewelry.
Over time, Karva Chauth has evolved, and it is now celebrated in various forms and with different customs in different regions of India. While it traditionally focused on married women praying for the well-being of their husbands, it has also become a celebration of love and commitment in modern times, with husbands showing their appreciation for their wives' dedication and sacrifice during the fast.
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