The earliest mentions of Karwa Chauth are believed to date back to the Vedic period. As per ancient Hindu scriptures, there are references to rituals where women prayed for the prosperity and longevity of their husbands. It is believed that during the mediaeval period, during the Rajputana reign, women observed a fast for the well-being of their husbands, which had become a custom. The women of the Rajputana region, also known as Rajput women, are known for their strong sense of courage and loyalty as they often fasted and prayed for the safety of their husbands who went to battle. The significance of Karwa Chauth lies in its celebration of the sacred marital bond and the devotion of a wife to her husband, as depicted in various legends and traditions.

The role of a wife, as per Hinduism, is considered sacred, and her dharma towards her husband is illustrated in various scriptures. The act of fasting for the longevity and prosperity of one’s husband is seen as an expression of selfless love and dedication, a result of the fulfilment of the wife’s dharma. Karwa Chauth is deeply rooted in the concept of Pativrata Dharma, which translates to the religious duty of a devoted wife to her husband. The idea is celebrated in epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, where the devotion of a wife to her husband is portrayed as powerful and virtuous.

The name ‘Karwa Chauth’ is believed to be derived from a legend of Karva, a devoted wife whose husband was caught by a crocodile while he was bathing in a river. She was a woman of great spiritual power and virtue and tied the crocodile with cotton yarn as she prayed to Lord Yama, the God of death, to save her husband‘s life while sending the crocodile to hell. Moved by her devotion and strength, Lord Yama granted her the wish and blessed her husband with a long life.

A popular legend associated with Karwa Chauth is of Queen Veeravari. She is believed to be the only sister of seven brothers. After her marriage, she observed her first Karwa Chauth by returning to her parental home and began her fast from sunrise. As the day progressed, she became frail due to hunger and thirst. The love that her brothers had for her did not let them see her suffer, and they decided to encourage her to break her fast. It is said that they created a mirror in a peeple tree, making it appear like the moon had risen. Veeravati broke her fast under the belief that the moon had appeared. Unfortunately, the moment she gulped a morsel,  she received the news of her husband‘s death. Tormented, she prayed to the gods, who then granted her a boon that her husband would return to life if she completed her fast with sheer dedication. She took the chance and dedicatedly completed her fast, and as a result, her husband was revived, which stands for the glorious significance of the fast and its power.

Another popular legend associated with Karwa Chauth is the story of Savitri and Satyavan. As foretold by the Sage Narada, Satyavan was destined to die within a year of his marriage with Savitri. On the designated day of his death, Savitri accompanied Satyavan into the forest, where the God of death, Lord Yama, came to take Satyavan's soul. As Savitri pleaded to spare her husband, Yama offered her a boon except for her husband's life. It was Savitri’s cleverness and wisdom that she asked to be blessed with many children. Bound by his promise, Yama granted her the boon, which implied that Satyavan would have to be brought back to life for it to be fulfilled. 

The celebrations of Karwa Chauth are grand in the rituals and customs observed. The day begins with the ritual of Sargi, which takes place before sunrise. Karwa Chauth Sargi is a pre-dawn meal provided by the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law. It typically includes fruits, sweets, dry fruits, and parathas with a glass of milk or juice. It is a crucial meal as these items provide energy and sustenance to the woman throughout the day. During the day, women abstain from food and water and practice the Nirjala Vrata. As the day progresses and comes to an end, they gather together in groups in the evening and perform a communal puja for their husbands' well-being. They circle around with the Karwa, a pot filled with water and pass it around in the circle as they recite prayers and sing traditional songs. After the puja, they eagerly wait for the moon to rise, and as it does, they view it through a sieve or a cloth and see their husbands through the same. Then, they offer water to the moon as they pray for their husband's longevity,  after which they consume the first sip of water only from their husband's hands as he breaks her fast, followed by a morsel of food. After the fast is broken, it is customary for husbands to gift their wives jewellery and clothes as a gesture of love and appreciation. Karwa Chauth is a religious and cultural observance, particularly in northern India. It is celebrated as a symbol of marital devotion in states like Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Traditional attire makes for the most essential part of any festival as it enables people to paint a picture of their high spirits during a celebration; the same is true for Karwa Chauth. 

A popular choice for women during Karwa Chauth is a quintessential saree, specifically in shades of red, maroon, or gold, as it is associated with marital bliss and fertility. Sarees in these colours hold auspicious rights in Hindu culture and are the preferred choice by married women during significant rituals and festivals like Karwa Chauth. Contemporary sarees featuring modern designs and lighter fabrics have now taken centre stage to suit modern aesthetics while retaining the traditional essence. Women wear sarees heavily embroidered with Zari and Zardosi or golden lace accents to allure an elegant appearance. Motifs like lotuses and geometric patterns are commonly seen on the sarees. These sarees are part of the Sargi that the mother-in-law gifts to the women fasting.

Younger women who fast in the aspiration of a good husband during Karwa Chauth are seen adorned in lehengas. Finding its roots in the Mughal era, lehengas are a symbol of grandeur and elegance, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary styles for younger girls. They incorporate intricate embroidery like mirror work and Zardosi to form an ensemble which is a perfect fusion of traditional and modern designs.

Men are typically seen in a kurta pyjama set as they participate in the night festivities while breaking their wife’s fast. They either pair with a stole or a Sherwani to add a regal touch to the outfit. Sherwani is a formal and elaborate version of a kurta with buttons from top to bottom and a constructed collar, usually made with a heavier fabric. It is worn to reflect status and luxury. The kurta usually features different cuts and prints in fabrics like silk and linen. At the same time, the Sherwani has distinct elements of intricate embroidery, brocade work, and fusion textiles, which add a touch of modern aesthetics.

The traditional attire for Karwa Chauth is usually preferred in textiles like silk, Chanderi, georgette, velvet, and brocade, which embody artistic craftsmanship. Banarasi and Kanchipuram silk are preferred and synonymous with luxury and royalty. Chanderi Sarees are a blend of silk and cotton and are valued for their elegant appearance, making them a preferred choice for Karwa Chauth. Brocade is popularly used for men’s Sherwanis and women’s lehengas due to its intricate weaving process and its contribution to the grandness of the festival.