### Key Rituals and Traditions of Karwa Chauth:
1. **Pre-Dawn Meal (Sargi):**
- Women begin the day before sunrise with a meal known as *Sargi*, usually prepared by their mother-in-law. It includes fruits, sweets, nuts, and other nutritious items to sustain them through the day.
2. **Fasting:**
- The fast is strict, and women do not consume food or water from sunrise until they break the fast after sighting the moon.
3. **Puja and Karwa Chauth Katha:**
- In the evening, women gather together in groups or temples for a *Karwa Chauth Puja* where they listen to the *Karwa Chauth Katha* (story) narrated by the priest or an elder. This story typically recounts the significance of the fast and tales of devotion.
4. **Sighting of the Moon:**
- After the moon rises, women view it through a sieve, and then see their husband's face through the same sieve. Afterward, the husband offers water or food to break the fast.
5. **Gifts and Blessings:**
- Husbands often give gifts to their wives as a token of appreciation for their love and dedication. The women seek blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.
### Spiritual Significance:
The fast symbolizes love, devotion, and the strong bond between husband and wife. It’s believed to be a way for women to ensure the well-being and longevity of their spouse.
While traditionally observed by married women, the festival has also evolved with younger generations and is sometimes observed by unmarried women hoping for a good husband.
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