Karwa Chauth 2017: What is Sargi and what foods it includes

On Karva Chauth, an ideal Sargi is a thali which consists of sweets and savouries and one can find dry fruits, coconuts, sevvaiyan, mithai, fruits and gifts of saris and jewellery on it. (Source: File Photo)

Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival where women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ longevity and safety. It falls during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Married women rise early in the morning and eat Sargi at dawn, which is a traditional meal they receive from their mothers-in-law.

A Sargi is prepared by a mother-in-law for her ‘bahu’ to bless her on this day and give her good wishes so she can complete the fast. The women observe a nirjala vrat (without food and water) on this day and a sargi is the only thing they eat throughout the day. An ideal sargi is a thali which consists of sweets and savouries and one can find dry fruits, coconuts, sevvaiyan, mithai, fruits and gifts of saris and jewellery on it.

Though the sargi thali is delightful, there are scientific reasons why you should include certain foods in it.

Sevvaiyan and other light cooked food: They are filling and keep you energetic throughout the day. Cooked vegetables or halwa are also included sometimes.

Sweets: It is considered auspicious to start your day with something sweet and also a dash of sweet always lifts your spirit, which fasting women can definitely use.

Fruits: They have high water content and keep you hydrated during the nirjala vrat. They are also rich in fibre and help you stay full for longer.

Dry Fruits: Raisins and nuts are rich in nutrients and give you energy, which will help you stay active throughout the day.