From Shimla to Lucknow, Leaders Observe Karwa Chauth

Leaders and their families across India observed Karwa Chauth on October 29, marking the festival with time-honoured traditions. Celebrations were held in state capitals and in the national capital, bringing together spouses, family members and supporters.

The day began with the fast, which is observed by married women for the well-being and long life of their husbands. In Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his wife Kamlesh Thakur celebrated the festival together. Sadhana Thakur, wife of Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, also kept the fast and prayed for her husband's long life.

In Bihar, the residence of Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar observed the festival with family rituals. His wife kept the fast seeking prosperity and a long life for her husband, and after the moon was sighted, she offered prayers and ended her fast.

In Bhopal, Sadhana Singh Chouhan, wife of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, observed the day with traditional customs. She saw the moon alongside her husband and broke her fast as per tradition.

In Delhi, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal and BJP MP Manoj Tiwari each celebrated the festival with their wives at home.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his wife Geeta Dhami followed traditional rituals together, and the Chief Minister's residence observed the day's customary ceremonies.

Lucknow also saw festivities at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. BJP MP Ravi Kishan attended the gathering and expressed thanks for the invitation, adding that Pathak had wanted him to be there and that his sister-in-law had also invited him personally.

Ravi Kishan said he avoided food and had only coffee and water during the day. He added that he hopes to observe the fast without water alongside his wife in the coming year.

His wife explained that the fast continues until the moon is visible. Rain in Lucknow obscured the moon, which left her unsure about drinking water even after the puja. She said that since Ravi Kishan had also fasted, she broke her fast for his sake and drank water.