Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston, MA organized the celebration of Karva Chauth, a festival that has traditional and cultural significance and goes beyond just fasting and rituals. The Karva Chauth special puja of Goddess Parvati by women in groups of 8 to 10 for every 30 minutes were arranged on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

On this festival, many Sanatani women in their beautiful traditional attire came together in the temple for Ma Durga puja and listened to the Katha of Veeravati, who lost her husband and gained him back. Karva Chauth is celebrated every year to seek marital harmony and longevity. It is an important festival for married couples, symbolizing devotion and love for each other. All the married women observed a Nirjala Vrat, fasting without water, from sunrise to moonrise for the long life of their husbands.  After going home, the women break the fast by looking at the moon through a sieve and then at their husbands. It is therefore essential for people to learn about their city's moonrise timings.

For these married women, the day is filled with festive celebrations of observing the fasting, gathering and participating in the puja, and listening to the vrat Katha. The story of Karva emphasizes the power of a wife's devotion, love and prayers can even influence the divine Almighty. This story is often retold to the women during Karva Chauth to give emphasis to the strength of marital love and the deep connection between husband and wife.

Female devotees in a small group did Ma Parvati Puja, who observed fasting to win Lord Shiva as her husband with lots of devotion. They sang Karva Chauth song together and prayed for the long life and well-being of their own husbands, and an enduring marriage. This event reminded us that the Karva Chauth is deeply rooted in the Hindu mythology. This tradition has been echoed through stories of Draupadi's concern for Arjun’s safety and the unwavering devotion of Karva Devi.

Temple management provided some Puja Samagri and LED Diyas due to safety reasons.. After the Karva Chauth event, the temple had daily Aarati of Lord Shiva and other deities of the temple with full devotion while chanting of daily Shlokas. Temple priest, Pt. Bharani Ji blessed all the devotees for their happy and healthy life filled with lots of prosperity. Sudarshan Sharma Ji thanked Vikas Sethi and the temple volunteers’ team for their efforts in putting together the event and appreciated their selfless services.