It is karwachauth today, the day when women in north India observe fast to pray for the long life and well being of their husbands. This is an age old tradition which every married woman is expected to follow, no questions asked. In other parts of our country, fasting is done by women on different days. Some do it for teej, some for chatt and some for ahoyi (which is for the well-being of kids). The underlying theme of all these fasts is common. When the lady of the house stays hungry all day, the family thrives.
Normally I am all for traditions but I have never been a fasting person. Some days I really love this karwachauth tradition and some days I don't. I love getting decked up and observe the fast when my husband pampers me throughout the day. It irks me when I am expected to observe the fast and it is taken for granted. Anyway, hunger makes me introspective. A lot of questions arose in my mind and there were no answers to be found. So I came here to share all my questions with you and hope for some clarity or answers.
- According to Hindu customs, we are all children of God. If my parents don't find happiness in my hunger, why will God do so?
- God has always been kind to me and I thank him everyday for his blessings in the form of my husband and my son. Would my gratefulness be any deeper on an empty stomach ?
- In some parts of my country and the rest of the world, women don't observe these fasts. How is the well-being of their families ensured?
- If a child belongs to both parents equally, why can't the father fast for the kid's well-being. He can fast with the mother or maybe they can just fast on alternate years ;)
P.S. in case if you were wondering about the well-being of the ladies of the house, rest assured. At least I am happy that my family members don't need to stay hungry to elongate my life.
