Cue Card # 5

Question:

Describe a tradition in your country 

- What it is

- Who takes part in it

- What activities there are

- And explain how you feel about it

Suggestive Answer:

There are many traditions in India.

But today I would like to talk about a tradition which is quite popular especially in North

India.

The tradition is called 'karvachauth'.

It is actually a tradition in which women keep a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety

and longevity of their husbands.

It is celebrated on a special day based on the Hindu Lunar Calendar.

It is mainly a Hindu tradition but some women from Sikh religion also celebrate it.

Its origin is based on military campaigns of the past.

The men would go to wars, and women would keep a fast for their safe return.

In today's time, it is seen as a symbol of love and affection between a husband and wife.

In fact, nowadays even men keep a fast along with women to support them.

Women begin preparing for Karva Chauth a few days in advance, by buying adornments

jewelry, and other prayer items.

On the day of Karva Chauth, women dress up and at night they do a small prayer along with

husbands with the moon in the backdrop.

After this, they break their fast.

Earlier, I saw this tradition as a symbol of patriarchy in some sense, where only women are

meant to keep a fast.

But now I see it more as a symbol of love and sacrifice

I think as long as there is no compulsion on women to do this and they do this on their own,

there is nothing wrong with it.