In school we were taught that the summer solistice occurs on about the 21st June in the northern hemisphere and that is the longest day, in the year. Later when we were in the Academy, a book with the title, “The Longest Day” was published which contained an account of the Allied landings on Normandy in France on 6 June 1944 which was probably the bloodiest battle fought in the War. Later, it was converted into a memorable picture.

However, today I have am here to talk about a day which stretches itself endlessly due to a tradition in North India. It is known an “Karva Chauth” and, this year it will be observed tomorrow, the 2nd November 2012. Married ladies will fast for the health and prosperity of their husbands from Sunrise to the time when the moon is actually sighted at around 9pm. They will not even take a sip of water for more than fourteen long hours.

I saw my twenty year old wife observe this fast with religeous fervour forty-five years ago, in 1967. In sympathy, I did not take my tea in the evening and the customary ”chhota peg” until she broke her fast.  I found it to be quite taxing. There was a post-monsoon cloud in the sky and that prevented the moon from showing up for several unending minutes. My sincere and conscientious wife refused to yield to my pleadings, and stuck to her vows right until the time when she could see the partially whithered moon.

After that, I saw her repeat the ritual each year, until 2001. She had to undergo a surgery that year, and was no longer strong enough to undertake this tortuous fast. At any rate, we now find that her longevity is far more important than mine. She runs the house, while I do nothing productive. When we took the marriage vows in 1966, we had pledged that the bond would last seven life-and-death cycles. But later, I read in the scriptures that if meditate and live pious lives, we can attain “moksha” and be released from re-birth. We are doing what we can, to achieve that ultimate salvation. For the moment, I have been able to persuade my wife to absolve herself from this penance.

Be that as it may, millions of ladies will be fasting tomorrow. Through my mind’s eye, I can see them wearing their colorful dresses, and waiting for the moon to rise.

At long last, the moon will show up and a smile will appear on the thirsty faces. And they will see the moon, filtered through a sieve for reasons which we might never find out.

And after a few more ceremonies, the first drops of water will be permitted, without the glass touching their lips:

Mr Surinder Sharma carried out systematic research on why ‘Karwa Chowth’ is observed in India whilst it is not considered necessary in the Western civilizations. He reported his findings in the form of a Television show a couple of years ago. Apart from being a social-scientist, he has a bit of wit (and that must be the greatest under-statement of the century!) To ensure that his humor is not diluted, he does not let even a mild smile appear on his own face.

In an interview, Sharma ji had averred that comedy is serious business. The comedian must not let  a smile come on his own face, or else the joke is ruined. It reminded me of Meena Kumari, the tragedy queen of Bollywood. She rarely shed a tear, but made the audience cry their hearts out.

To get the full import of the very serious message in this episode, I had to play this piece twice. I can give you several reasons why you should click on the link given below, but the most important point is that it will keep you amused for a few minutes and help you and your wife in waiting for the moon to appear.

May the moon show up early tomorrow, and wishing you all a happy ‘Karva Chauth’