Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by married women where they observe a day-long nirjala fast (without food or water) for the long life and well-being of their husbands. This year, it will be celebrated on October 10, 2025. The day begins with sargi, a pre-dawn meal that is prepared by the mother-in-law and gifted to the daughter-in-law. Apart from being just the food, sargi symbolises blessings, love, and the bond between families.
Carefully curated, the sargi thali is prepared to provide nourishment, hydration, and energy to women observing fast. From pheni and dry fruits to fruits, sweets, and coconut, each item has ritualistic significance, making sargi an important part of Karwa Chauth celebrations.
What Is Karwa Chauth Sargi?
Sargi is the pre-dawn meal eaten by married women who keep Karwa Chauth fast. It is traditionally prepared and given by the mother-in-law. Sargi marks the beginning of the day-long fast, Karwa Chauth, which is observed from sunrise till moonrise for the well-being and longevity of the husband.
Since women keep fast without food and water the entire day, sargi should be carefully curated to deliver energy, hydration, and satiety while also carrying traditional and cultural value. The sragi symbolises blessings, love, and the bond between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Listed below are some must-have items in a sargi thali:
Pheni Or Seviyan Kheer
A bowl of pheni or seviyan kheer is a staple in sargi thalis, which is often prepared with milk, sugar, and thin vermicelli. It is light, sweet, and easy on the stomach. The cooling effect of milk helps in balancing the body’s system, while its sweetness gives a festive touch. This dish is the first to be eaten from the sargi as part of the custom.
Dry Fruits
Dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and raisins are an important part of the sargi thali. Loaded with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, they deliver energy that can be sustained throughout the fast. Since fasting women do not consume food and water until the moonrise, dry fruits serve as fuel, keeping the body nourished and energised. They are also light to eat yet full of essential nutrients, which makes them a perfect inclusion in sargi.
Fresh Fruits
Seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, papayas, or oranges are a must-have in the sargi thali. They have natural hydrating properties and are packed with essential nutrients that support digestion and immunity during the fast period. Fruits are refreshing and keep the body light, providing energy without feeling heavy. Traditionally, bananas and apples are favoured in a sargi thali.
Mathri Or Poori
To give a savoury touch, mathris or pooris are also included in the sargi thali. These items strike a perfect balance of sweet and savoury on the plate, making the meal more satisfying and enjoyable. Mathris are crunchy and can be enjoyed with pickle, while pooris can be paired with light sabzi or even halwa. They are filling and keep hunger at bay for a longer duration.
Coconut
Coconut carries a holy place in almost every Hindu ritual. Often given as a whole or in pieces, it represents purity, prosperity, and commencement of an auspicious beginning. Coconut water can also be consumed on Sargi day to keep the body naturally hydrated before the fast begins. The coconut water helps in digestion and maintains energy levels.
Sweets
No sargi thali is complete without sweets. Laddoos, barfis, or halwa are typically included in the sargi thali as a sweet token of celebration. Sweets deliver quick energy while also representing joy, togetherness, and prosperity. Sweets perfectly balance the savoury elements of the thali and make the pre-fast meal more enjoyable.
Tea, Milk, Juice
A light drink, whether it is a cup of tea, a glass of warm milk, or freshly squeezed juice, is a thoughtful addition to the sargi thali. These beverages help in keeping the body hydrated during the long hours of the fasting period. Milk gives nourishment, tea acts as a refreshener, and juice provides natural energy and hydration.