Karva Chauth is a festival, particularly for married Hindu women who fast for the good health and long life of their husbands. It’s a day full of traditions, and one of the most exciting parts of the celebration is the intricate application of mehndi or henna designs. Karva Chauth in the year 2024 will fall on October 20th, Sunday in the USA; Indians are very much excited to decorate with beautiful Mehandi art this year.

Here are some of the popular Mehandi designs and trends to try this year:

1. Traditional Bridal Mehndi

Intricate and Full Hand: The covering is up to the wrist by detailed patterned works on fingertips, involving peacocks, paisleys, and floral motifs.
Symbolic Elements: Popular elements include the moon, bangles, or a picture of a bride and groom often combined for bridal mehndi designs.

2. Arabic Mehndi Designs

Bold and Minimal: Arabic mehndi designs are predominantly bold outlines of intricate large patterns. It usually includes flowing floral patterns and geometric shapes, which are easy to apply but make an amazing display.
More Than Less: Interactions of Patterns: It is more prominent leaving space between the patterns; thus, it will give a modern look with simplicity. Thus, it will be very suitable for individuals who prefer minimalism.

3. Rajasthani Mehndi Designs

Dainty and Dense: Rajasthani Mehndi is known for its richly intricate and detailed patterns. The general motifs include parts that are inspired by the art and culture of Rajasthan; some common ones are royal elephants and dancing figures.
Unique Shading: This art form frequently uses shading to infuse somebody and a dimension into the designs.

4. Trending in Modern Mehndi Designs

Elegant and Simple: For modern trends, simple and minimalist mehndi designs with geometric shapes, lines, and minute floral patterns are quite in.
Cainty Finger/Glove kind of Designs: In modern mehndi, it can be used to highlight only the fingers or the wrists with minimalist patterns.

5. Mandala Mehndi Design

Center-Focused: This starts from the center of the palm and widens out. The design is suitable for a person who is in search of an extremely symmetrical, well-balanced look.
Elegant and Attractive: Mandalas also describe spiritual development apart from the aesthetic appeal. For Karva Chauth, this design would also bring good luck for the couple, so people can choose it.

6. Fusion Mehndi Designs

Mix of Styles: Blends of traditional Indian, modern, or Arabic designs are blended to provide an excellent choice for those who seek both worlds.
Creative Customization: Adding initials a wedding date or personal symbols adds so much beauty to your design.

7. Mehndi for Feet

Ankle and Toe Patterns: As much as the hands are the focal point, it is an equally great tradition to decorate your feet in mehndi as well. Cute florals or leafy vines at the ankle and toes add a lovely finishing touch.
Great with Traditional Outfits: Foot mehndi patterns look very stunning with traditional garments such as sarees and lehengas.

8. Glitter Mehndi

Add Some Sparkle: With a modern twist, many now add glitter to their mehndi designs. It makes the henna stand out more and gives it a festive feel.
Perfect for Celebrations: This style is perfect for those who are going to Karva Chauth celebrations with friends and family. It adds that extra glamour to the design.

9. Jewelry-Inspired Mehndi

Bracelet and Ring Motifs: Mehndi patterns that are imitative motifs from jewelry, such as bracelets and rings, have become quite fashionable features. People who desire a very chic, accessory-like motif will be thrilled with this design.
Refined and Delicate: The motifs will often be pretty small and dainty, thus giving them a rather class and refined look.

10. Children’s Mehndi Patterns

Simple and Wholesome: If you want to include your little kids in this festival, simple designs with hearts, flowers, or cartoon-like shapes are the easiest.
Quick and Easy: These designs are small enough so that they are suitable for children who might not even have the patience for a full, intricate design.

Tips for Applying Mehndi

Quality Henna: Always use natural henna for deep, long-lasting color. Avoid using black henna as it causes some skin allergies sometimes.
Moisturize: Once the henna dries, apply lemon juice with sugar to let the color set deep.
Leave it On: To achieve the strongest color stain, keep the mehndi on for at least 6–8 hours before washing it off.
No matter where you are in the United States, beautiful mehndi on Karva Chauth is a wonderful way to participate in this cultural celebration and have just a bit of fun with the day. SELECT that design you like best and enjoy the celebrations!

The Festival of Lights, commonly called Diwali, is a festivity that involves the use of lights. Also known as Deepavali, Dipavali, Dewali, or Deepawali, it is commemorated, either in October or November. In the year 2024, Diwali will fall on October 31st. The celebrations of Diwali usually persist for approximately five days. Do people residing in the USA generally have a day off on Diwali/Deepavali? The answer is Yes, recently Diwali – The Festival Of Lights has been declared an official holiday in Pennsylvania, USA. In the other cities of the United States of America, business will be carried out as usual. The Diwali festival is observed on the new moon of the Kartik month, which falls 20 days after the eve of Dussehra or Vijayadashami. The 5-day festival starts from Dhanteras and lasts till Bhai Dooj. During this time, it is celebrated with high excitement and enthusiasm. Also, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this day since she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Complete Time Table of Diwali in the USA

• Diwali 2024 Date: October 31, 2024
• Day: Thursday
• Laxmi Puja Muhurat: 06:25 PM to 08:12 PM
• Amavasya Tithi start: 05:22 AM on November 31, 2024
• Amavasya Tithi end: 07:46 AM on November 1, 2024

History and Significance of Diwali

Diwali finds its origins interwoven within the intricate tapestry of Hindu mythology, where it emerges as a saga of unparalleled significance. At the heart of this narrative stands Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, a divine figure whose epic exploits resonate through the annals of time. His indomitable spirit and valorous triumph over the malevolent Ravana culminated in a joyous return to the celestial realm of Ayodhya. In a fervent celebration of this glorious homecoming, the denizens of Ayodhya illuminated the very fabric of their city with the soft, comforting radiance of diyas, those humble earthen lamps that cast a warm, golden glow upon their homes. The creative artistry of rangolis adorned their doorsteps, a symphony of vibrant patterns painted with the dexterity of tradition. This jubilant festival of Diwali is said to grace the world on the hallowed night of Amavasya, the new moon, when the Hindu month of Kartik paints the sky with its sacred hues.

Here is the list of the 5-day festival of lights:

1st Day – Dhanteras: It is an auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and other commodities.

2nd Day – Naraka Chaturdashi: It is ideal for banishing evil spirits by lighting diyas in the morning.

3rd Day – Diwali Puja: People dress up in new clothing, adorn their homes with rangolis and lights, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi.

4th Day – Govardhan Puja: The puja is carried out to please the Govardhan mountain and seek his blessings.
5th Day – Bhai Dooj: It honors the relationship amid brothers and sisters.

Celebration of Diwali in the US

The festival is a testimony of the events where goodness triumphs over evil, knowledge prevails over ignorance, and light triumphs over darkness. Diwali is rooted in diverse customs and cultural practices that vary across India yet share components in common. Here are some of the most important components of Diwali custom and culture:

• Diwali Fairs And Cultural Performances
• Family Reunions And Festive Feasts
• Gifts And Sweets Exchanged
• Philanthropy And Charity
• Puja (Prayers) And Worship
• The Lighting Of Lamps And The Display Of Fireworks
• Traditional Attire

Epilogue

The festival of lights – Diwali is now an official holiday in the state of Pennsylvania, United States of America. It is nothing short of an achievement for this special occasion which is a clear and traditional representation of victory of good over evil. It will be celebrated in the USA, India, and other countries on 31st October 2024.

In the Hindu religion, the eve of Karwa Chauth has the utmost importance for all married women. On this day, such women observe a one-day fast starting from sunrise that day till the time of moonrise. In the year 2024, Karwa Chauth will fall on Sunday, October 20, 2024. In the USA, the muhurat time for puja is in the evening before the sunset. The occasion signifies the eternal bond between the couple, particularly husband and wife.

History of Karwa Chauth 2024

According to popular belief, a fast was observed by those women, whose husbands were away from home for battles, travel, etc. During this time, the women offered special prayers and fasted for their health and welfare. On this day, the married women woke up early before sunrise and ate “sargi” – a meal prepared by their mothers-in-law. Traditionally, milk, vermicelli, and dried fruits comprised sargi. However, in the present era, all types of meals are accepted as sargi. After eating this, the married women do not take a sip of water until the moon rises.

When Is Karwa Chauth 2024 In The USA?

Karwa Chauth 2024 in the USA will be observed on the date October 20, 2024. Since it’s a Sunday, women will have to take a leave or manage the entire day without any food or water. Whether in the USA, India, or some other country, Karwa Chauth will always fall in Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in Kartika.

The best time to view Karwa Chauth in 2024 is at sunset. That time is from 6:01 PM to 7:20 PM. Upavasa for Karwa Chauth will begin at 7:09 AM and last till 7:14 PM. It is said that the power of the prayer is better when your spouse and moon are visible together. It is likely that at 7:14 PM tonight, the moon is going to rise marking the final culmination of this day’s festivities.

Significance of Karwa Chauth 2024

Karva Chauth is one of the most important Hindu holidays. Fasting is not just about keeping fast, but also about celebrating marital harmony, love, and dedication. It is believed that married women fast to express their love and devotion to their spouses. It enhances marriage between partners and builds a sense of community. The Karva Chauth tradition also brings women together to celebrate the common experiences they share. A colorful traditional costume is worn by the women, and they decorate their hands with intricate henna patterns. They exchange gifts with one another as well. As a result of the festival, married women feel a sense of camaraderie and a sense of support from one another.

In The USA, Where To Shop For Festivals?

The Hindu festival of Karva Chauth will fall at the beginning of November. To prepare for this day, it is highly recommended to shop in advance. For those who are residing in the United States of America, the months of September and October are ideal; not just for one festival but also for the others. For example, in October, the USA observes Halloween Eve during which lots of shops offer a great deal of discounts on different types of products. During this time, the temperature starts to dip and you will find attractive tempting discounts on various clothes. Although in the months of November, there is a Black Friday sale and Cyber Monday sale, these fall at the end of the month. Hence, it is ideal to shop for clothes in September and October.

Where to Celebrate Karwa Chauth 2024 In The USA?

In the United States of America, married women can celebrate the eve by visiting a Hindu temple. Among various Hindu temples in the USA, the most popular ones are given below:

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta, Georgia
• Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, Illinois
• Hindu Temple Society of North America, Flushing, New York
• Malibu Hindu Temple, Calabasas, California
• Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland, Massachusetts
• Sri Meenakshi Temple, Houston, Texas
• Sri Venkateswara Temple, Bridgewater, New Jersey

To celebrate the eve of Karwa Chauth, you can visit any of these aforementioned temples or some other temple nearest to your residence.