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This got me thinking a bit. My initial reaction has been to dismiss this tradition because I never quite agreed with the "why". That Karwa Chauth is a tradition that seeks to prolong the life of one's husband is not inclusive and rooted in patriarchy.

That said, I did reflect on a version of this that we celebrate in East India. I should know what it's called but perhaps I chose to forget. I know several well educated women from my family who celebrate it. While the stated objective is the well-being of one's husband when I've asked them why they did it, not one has stated that objective. I realize it's something they continue to do for two reasons

1. At the time questioning the norm was not something one could do as freely as we do today. So they did it because it's something that's been done for so long

2. It gave women a sense of strength and solidarity. Misery and hardship loves company.

I am totally with you that if one chooses to do this, it's not up to me to question that choice. I will however, continue to challenge the "why".

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