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 till 7:20 PM. Upavasa for Karwa Chauth will begin on 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.

Dussehra is a prominent festival that is celebrated by the Hindu community-based in the USA, UK, India, and other countries. It falls on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and the puja muhurat timings are 01:28 AM to 11:38 PM (Eastern Daylight Time). Also called Vijayadashami, the Dussehra festival is observed to mark Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, who was a demonic ruler of Lanka. It is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm in the USA by the Hindu and other communities.

When Is Dussehra 2024 In The USA?

The date of Dussehra in the year 2024 is October 12. It marks the end of the grand Navratri festival and the beginning of Diwali preparations. On this festival, family members get together and celebrate it on a grand scale.

What Is Dussehra 2024 Muhurat And Puja Timing in the USA?

Dussehra is celebrated by the entire Hindu community spread throughout the globe. On October 12, 2024, puja muhurat timings are 01:28 AM to 11:38 PM (Eastern Daylight Time). During these 45 minutes, the devotees should chant mantras and aartis to pay respect to God and enjoy the occasion. Apart from this Vijayadashami Muhurat, there is a separate time for the Aparahna Puja – 01:10 PM to 03:32 PM (EDT).

What Is The Significance Of The Dussehra Festival?

The profound significance of the Dussehra festival finds its roots deeply entwined in the tapestry of Hindu mythology and age-old traditions. This august celebration unfurls its vivacious splendor with unbridled enthusiasm throughout the Hindu community in the USA, UK, and India. Its reverberative gist reverberates the timeless adage that proclaims the ascendancy of virtue over vice, akin to the triumphant saga of Lord Rama vanquishing the formidable demon king, Ravana.

The festival bears testimony to the conclusive victory of righteousness and moral uprightness prevailing over malignity and moral decay. The festival signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana (the ruler of Lanka) after a battle that lasted 10 days. The event is an enduring testament to the unequivocal conquest of truth, dharma (righteousness), and justice.

How is Dussehra Celebrated in the USA?

Popular Dussehra customs such as garba dances, Durga pooja, and so on are often observed on a huge scale in many US cities. Dussehra not only honors the occasion of Goddess Durga destroying the monster Mahishasura, but it also celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

In several American towns, the dandiya and garba dances are performed. Numerous Indians residing in the US get together for traditional dance performances dressed in traditional wear. They dance merrily to traditional folk music, bringing holiday pleasure to a distant nation.

On the occasion of Dussehra, many Indian American committees and organizations, including the American Telugu Association and the Bengali Association, among others, organize a variety of cultural and entertainment programs. Several locations in the USA also conduct Ram Leela, which is a theatrical production based on the Ramayana.

What Are The Best Locations In The USA To See Dussehra Celebrations?

Every US neighborhood with a sizable Indian population celebrates the event in the same manner as it is done in India. Dussehra is celebrated lavishly by the numerous Indian residents in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Seattle. New Jersey is renowned for hosting the most impressive Dussehra celebrations in the USA out of all of these locations. For Duja Puja during Navratri, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and other organizations erected huge, elaborately painted pandals throughout New Jersey.

New Jersey Locations For Dussehra 2024 Celebrations

Here are a few locations where you might travel during Dussehra to participate in Durga Puja festivities.

• Ananda Mandir, Somerset, 269 Cedar Grove Lane
• Garden State Cultural Association, Park Avenue in Plainfield
• Garden State Indian Community Centre, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany
• Bengali Cultural Society of New Jersey at 820 NJ-73, Marlton

Pitru Paksha Shradh is a very important event for all the Hindus residing in India, the USA, and other countries. Pitru Paksha Shradh 2024 will start on Wednesday, 18th September 2024, and end on Wednesday, 02nd October 2024. It is a 16-day significant event wherein people pay respect to their ancestors in the form of foods like fruits, water, and others. It satisfies the deceased souls and they bless you with prosperity along with all forms of happiness. This event is to honor those deceased relatives who belong to your direct biological lineage. Joyous celebrations and new business ventures should not be done during this period.

Image Source: livehindustan

What Are The Dates For Shradh 2024?

The duration of Shradh in 2024 is from 18th September to 02nd October. In this period, you can make donations in the form of food, utensils, etc. A point to note is that Shradh rituals must be done by the immediate living family member. Further, it should be done on the day of death i.e. Monday, Tuesday, and so on. In case you do not have this information, then you can perform the rituals on the Amavasya that falls during the Shradh in the USA. The Amavasya Date and timings are:

Amavasya Start Date & Time: 1st October, 2024 at 09:39 PM

Amavasya End Date & Time: 3rd October, 2024 at 12:18 AM

What is the Significance of Pitru Paksha Shradh 2024 in the USA?

Shradh is one occasion in the Hindu religion when the living member of a family prays to his ancestors and offers them food, utensils & clothes. With this, the ancestors feel happy and help their loved ones by dispelling their miseries and sufferings. Ancestor’s soul has extreme power that can ease your difficult time. As a result, Pitru Paksha Shradh 2024 is extremely important. As a resident of the United States of America, you may connect with local Hindu temples to perform the Shradh 2024 ceremonies. The priests present at the temples will properly advise you. Aside from that, you can do Shradh this year in Hindu community centers or cremation sites.

If none of these locations are available to you, you are advised to build a shrine in your house. It should be dedicated completely to your ancestors and include images of them. Then, in the comfort of your own home, carry out the tasks as directed by a Hindu Priest. Another way to celebrate Pitru Paksha Shradh 2024 in the United States is to plan online events led by various Hindu organizations and priests.

What Not To Do During Shradh 2024?

Shradh is not an event for doing auspicious work. This time is dedicated to serving and pleasing the ancestors. In other words, this is the time when you worship your deceased loved ones and seek their blessings. Because of this reason, it is highly recommended that you should not:

• Celebrate your birthday in grandeur
• Purchase gold
• Buy or rent a property
• Purchase car, bike, etc.

History Behind Pitru Paksha Shradh

The history of Shradh is related to Karn – an important character in the epic literature of Mahabharat. Upon his death when Karn reached heaven, he was provided with a lot of gold but no food. Upon this, he questioned Lord Indra who replied that Karna has always given gold as charity and not food. To this, Krana replied that he had no information on his ancestors so he could donate food to them. Listening to this, Lord Indra returned Karna to Earth for 15 days to prepare food for his ancestors. This period is called Pitru paksha.

Conclusion

The United States of America is a vast country having a large population of Hindu residents. Because of this, Pitru Paksha Shradh has become an important festival in the USA. Based on the day of death of the family members, you can carry out the rituals between 18th September and 02ND October 2024. For this, you can take the help of a Hindu temple or get in touch with various Hindu organizations operating in the great country.