The significance of the Karva Chauth Sargi lies in its role as both a nourishing pre-dawn meal and a heartfelt expression of love and blessing from a mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law. It is a vital ritual that strengthens intergenerational family bonds and provides the woman with the energy to complete her day-long fast. A married woman consumes the pre-dawn meal before beginning her day-long, waterless fast. It is not merely food, but a gift of love and blessings from the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law, symbolizing well-wishes for her marital life. 

Symbolic importance of Karva Chauth’s Saragi includes especially a mother-in-law's blessings since traditionally, the mother-in-law prepares the sargi thali and gifts it to her daughter-in-law. This act represents her love, care, and best-wishes for her daughter-in-law's marital happiness and prosperity. It signifies the younger woman's reception into her new family and the tradition provides a foundation of strength for her next day strict fasting. By consuming this meal before sunrise, the fasting woman receives the physical and spiritual strength needed for the rigorous nirjala (no food or water) fast. Beyond its practical function, sargi is a spiritual and emotional ceremony. It is considered auspicious to begin the day with this blessed meal, setting a tone of positive energy and devotion. 

The practical and nutritional significance of Sargi is to provide sustaining energy, keeping the fasting woman hydrated and full for hours. The items included in a beautifully decorated sargi thali are carefully chosen to provide sustenance for the long fast. Foods with slow-releasing energy and high nutritional value are preferred. Eating a balanced sargi helps prevent issues like acidity, dizziness, or fatigue later in the day. The meal is designed to be wholesome and balanced, with both sweet and savory items that aid in managing the fast comfortably.

While the specific items may vary based on regional customs and personal preferences, here are some common items traditionally included in the Sargi Thali:

o   Protein and healthy fats: Items like paneer, curd (yogurt), soaked nuts (almonds, walnuts), cashews, raisins, and pistachios, Laddoos add protein and healthy fats to help a fasting woman feel full for longer and stay energized

o   Fresh fruits: Items like bananas, pomegranates, grapes and apples help with hydration and provide natural sugars, essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration to sustain energy levels throughout the day.

o   Complex carbohydrates: Light and filling foods like sevaiyan (sweet vermicelli), kheer (rice pudding), or barfi (sweet confectionery) or a light porridge (dalia) provide sustained energy and prevent fatigue and are enjoyed as a special treat during Karwa Chauth.

add a festive touch and are believed to bring sweetness and harmony to the married life.

o   Savory foods: A paratha or mathri (crispy fried snacks), or samosas can provide a sense of fullness and a balance of flavors and textures.

o   Hydrating beverages: Water-rich fruits such as coconut water, bananas, oranges, and pomegranates help to maintain hydration throughout the day.

o   Shringaar items: In addition to food, the mother-in-law often includes gifts like a new sari, bangles, cosmetics, and jewelry, which represent the good luck and prosperity of married life.

o   Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. It helps replenish fluids and minerals lost during sweating or exercise, promoting optimal hydration. 

o   Sindhoor and Mehendi: Red Sindhoor (vermilion) and mehendi (henna) are auspicious symbols of married life and are often included in the Sargi Thali. Applying sindoor and mehendi during Karwa Chauth rituals is believed to bring blessings and strengthen the marital bond.

These are some of the common items traditionally included in the Sargi Thali for Karwa Chauth. However, the selection may vary based on individual preferences, regional customs, and family traditions. The essence of the Sargi Thali lies in its symbolism of love, blessings, and sustenance for the fasting woman on this auspicious day. Create a serene atmosphere in your home with our brass urlis and incense holders, designed to diffuse fragrant aromas and promote relaxation during prayers and rituals.

Pooja and ritual items

Many Sargis also include elements needed for the evening prayers and rituals:

• The Karwa (Earthen pot): A new earthen pot, which is central to the ritual, is used to make offerings (arghya) to the moon.
• A decorative thali and a sieve (Channi): A decorated metal plate is used to hold the prayer items. The sieve is used to view the moon and the husband during the fast-breaking ceremony.
• Diya (Oil lamp): A small lamp for the evening prayer is included as a symbol of light and prosperity.
• Coconut: A whole coconut is often included in the Sargi Thali as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and blessings. Breaking the coconut and offering it as part of the Sargi rituals is believed to bring good luck and auspiciousness to the marital relationship.
• Fruits and flowers: for Ma Durg and the Chandrama (Moon) Puja
• A tumbler, or lota with a spoon: These are required items for the Karwa Chauth puja ceremony. The lota is used for the ritual offering of water, known as arghya, to the moon and is prepared as part of the evening puja thali. 

The preparation of Puja Thali and consumption of Sargi represents a cherished tradition passed down through generations, connecting to the essence of Karwa Chauth itself.