Traditional Songs Sung in North India on Karva Chauth

October 19, 2024: Karva Chauth is a significant festival in North India, especially among married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and long life of their husbands. One of the most cherished aspects of the celebration is the tradition of singing folk songs during the puja. These songs, passed down through generations, bring out the emotions of love, devotion, and togetherness associated with the festival. They are often sung during gatherings of women as they wait for the moonrise.

Here are some traditional songs that are commonly sung on Karva Chauth:

1. “Veero Kudiye Karwada”

One of the most popular folk songs during Karva Chauth, “Veero Kudiye Karwada” is a lively song that celebrates the spirit of the festival. It narrates the tale of a young bride eagerly waiting for her husband to return. The song is full of enthusiasm and reflects the excitement of married women participating in the festivities.

Lyrics (in Punjabi):
Veero kudiye karwada, sarv suhagan karwada,
Ae vehniya di lambi qeuen lad laai,
Ve tera ghudha kehnda de mai karwa chauth mana laai,
Veero kudiye karwada, sarv suhagan karwada.

Translation:
O sister, it is Karva Chauth, for the well-being of all married women,
Why do you create long rows of bangles?
Your beloved says, let me celebrate Karva Chauth,
O sister, it is Karva Chauth, for the well-being of all married women.

2. “Chand Chhup Badal Mein”

This song is a Bollywood classic from the movie “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” but it has become synonymous with the anticipation of seeing the moon on Karva Chauth. The song expresses the yearning of a wife who is waiting eagerly for the moonrise so she can break her fast.

Lyrics (excerpt):
Chand chhup badal mein, sharmake sharmaake
Gehraayi raat ki aa gaya hai kaam, kaam.

Translation:
The moon hides behind the clouds, shyly,
The night deepens, the moment has arrived.

3. “Karva Chauth Song” (Traditional Punjabi Song)

In many regions, women gather in the afternoon to sing this traditional song while performing the Karva Chauth puja. The song narrates the significance of the festival and tells a story of a married woman praying for her husband’s long life.

Lyrics (in Punjabi):
Sada suhagan kar ve,
Sada suhagan kar ve,
Karwa le kar aaya, saari raat jagaa ve.

Translation:
Make us always married and blissful,
Make us always married and blissful,
With the Karva (pot), I have stayed awake all night.

4. “Aaj Hai Karva Chauth”

Another modern addition to the list, this song is sung with great excitement as women prepare for the evening rituals. The song speaks about the beauty of the day, the decorations, and the love between a husband and wife.

Lyrics (excerpt):
Aaj hai karva chauth sajni,
Mehendi lagegi haathon mein,
Chooda chamkega baalon mein,
Sindoor sajega maang mein.

Translation:
Today is Karva Chauth, my dear,
Henna will adorn our hands,
Bangles will sparkle in our hair,
Vermilion will decorate our parting.

5. “Mehendi Ni Mehendi”

This is another traditional song that women sing while applying mehendi (henna) on their hands, an essential part of Karva Chauth preparations. The song celebrates the love and affection shared between a husband and wife, symbolized by the intricate patterns of mehendi.

Lyrics (in Punjabi):
Mehendi ni mehendi, tera lyaawan haath mundeya nu
Mehendi ni mehendi, lyaawan haath mundeya nu.

Translation:
Mehendi, oh mehendi, I’ll adorn my hands with it for my beloved,
Mehendi, oh mehendi, I’ll adorn my hands with it for my beloved.

Significance of Traditional Songs on Karva Chauth

These traditional songs are not just a way to pass time; they are a celebration of love, devotion, and the bond of marriage. Singing together fosters a sense of community among women, who share their joys, memories, and stories during the festival. These songs also carry stories of love, sacrifice, and the joy of being united with one’s beloved, resonating with the spirit of Karva Chauth.

Conclusion
Karva Chauth songs are an integral part of the celebration, embodying the essence of the festival. They range from traditional folk tunes to modern melodies, all focusing on themes of love, longing, and marital bliss. As women sing these songs, they not only honor the festival’s traditions but also create a festive atmosphere filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness.