Karwa-Chauth

Do I need an assigned day to express my love for my better half? I love him with my whole being every minute of every day.

Then what do I as an educated, modern-day woman feel about ‘Karwa-Chauth’, a very gender-biased fast as are all the rituals associated with it? Will I be labeled a “typical” (with a degrading undertone) Indian woman if I keep fast, or a feminist if I don’t?
Actually, I'm a die-hard romantic and I find the whole idea of fasting for my husband, utterly romantic so damn be all the logic and rationalism. It's a matter of heart and the heart, as we all know, knows no reason!
Yes, I am an educated woman, who very well understands that fasting of any kind, whether it is starving for God, for oneself, or for anyone else proves nothing (except for some good we do to our own body with all the detoxification) but I will still do it.
And even though I endorse equal rights for women, NO, I will not ask my man to fast for my long life in exchange for me doing the same for him. Call me regressive if you will but that’s my opinion.

My take on touching his feet, which is seen as a symbol of women’s subjugation and their cultural repression by the patriarchal society? Well, I do believe that marriage is a bond of love, equality, companionship, and mutual respect but I do NOT think that touching his feet and seeking his blessings raises him to a level above me or undermines me in any way - it is a voluntary gesture born out of love and respect for him. Also, I feel our traditions carry strong spiritual significance and scientific reasoning behind them. When we bow in front of anyone, we surrender our ego and gain humility in return.
To me, it's not of much consequence that I'm projecting myself as a strong, independent woman or an educated regressive one. What is important is that I am living my relationship with the man who loves and respects me. So I will happily fast on Karwa Chauth, touch my husband’s feet, and will observe all the rituals because they are an expression of my love for him.

I wish a Happy Karwa Chauth to all the beautiful ladies/girls/men who believe in the power of LOVE, fasting or not fasting!

-shell