Sushma Swaraj observes Karva Chauth

Srinagar, Oct 7: Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday celebrated the Hindu festival "Karva Chauth" with other married women in New Delhi.

"Here you can see women who usually pose a normal look have dressed in bridal attire. They pray for their husband's good health and success. We have finished the prayers and in the night after we observe the moon we will break our fast," said Swaraj.

Over 50 women gave company to Swaraj during the evening rituals.

Married women celebrate the "Karva Chauth" festival across northern India as a day of fasting for the well-being of their husbands.

On this day women keep a strict fast and do not even drink water.

The fast, observed from sunrise to sunset, is broken after sighting of moon. Women turn out in their bridal finery in the evening and visit temples.

The festival, which falls about nine days before the Hindu festival of Diwali or festival of lights, is considered very important by married women.

Applying "henna" or herbal red colour with intricate designs on palms and feet is an integral part of the festival.

Bangle sellers are also in great demand as bangles symbolise prosperity and zest for life.

The festival is particularly special for a newly-wed woman who decks up in her bridal finery and many visit beauty saloons to look their best.

ANI