Popularly known as the “Mother Teresa of Malwa”, the Padma Shri awardee reflects on her journey in medicine, women’s healthcare, tribal welfare and the importance of compassion in healing.
For Dr Leela Joshi, medicine has always been more than a profession. It is a commitment to service and humanity. A Padma Shri awardee and a renowned gynaecologist, she has dedicated decades to improving healthcare access for tribal women and children, particularly in the remote areas of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
After a distinguished career with the Indian Railways, where she served as Chief Medical Director, Dr Joshi continued her mission of serving underserved communities after retirement. Her work in addressing anaemia among tribal women and adolescent girls earned her widespread recognition and the affectionate title of the “Mother Teresa of Malwa”.
In an interaction with Radio Vibes 88.8 FM, she shares the inspiration behind her medical journey, the challenges surrounding women’s health, the changing role of technology in healthcare and the values that have guided her life.
Radio Vibes: What inspired you to become a doctor?
Dr Leela Joshi: My mother was my inspiration. After marriage, she witnessed young pregnant women dying in the village because medical facilities were unavailable. Although she could not become a doctor herself, she decided that her daughter would fulfil that dream. Coming from an ordinary middle-class family, I pursued medicine because of her determination.
Radio Vibes: What motivated you to dedicate your life to tribal healthcare in Ratlam?
Dr Joshi: Meeting Mother Teresa was a turning point in my life. She held my hand and asked me to do something for a group of tribal people. Her words stayed with me. Ratlam is my birthplace, and after retirement, I decided to return and serve its tribal communities.
Radio Vibes: What are the biggest challenges in women’s health today?
Dr Joshi: Women often neglect their own health while caring for their families. Lack of awareness, poor nutrition and gender inequality make the situation worse. During a tribal health camp, I encountered a pregnant woman whose haemoglobin level was around 4.5 grams per decilitre. We arranged medical care and follow-up. Experiences like these underline the importance of timely treatment, awareness and continued medical support.
Radio Vibes: How can families improve the health and well-being of adolescent girls?
Dr Joshi: Girls need proper nutrition, healthcare and emotional support. Parents must treat daughters and sons equally. Adolescent girls should receive age-appropriate guidance about personal safety and reproductive health. Mothers and daughters must be able to discuss health concerns openly, without fear or hesitation.
Radio Vibes: With rapid advancements in medical technology, can it replace the human touch in healthcare?
Dr Joshi: Technology has transformed diagnosis and treatment, but it cannot replace an experienced clinician. Doctors must listen to patients, understand their circumstances and use technology wisely. Counselling is equally important, particularly for people living with chronic illnesses, where mental and physical health are closely connected.
Radio Vibes: After years of medical service, what gives you the greatest satisfaction?
Dr Joshi: Patient satisfaction is my greatest reward. When someone arrives in pain and leaves feeling better, it gives me immense happiness. Awards are valuable, but making a difference in people’s lives is what matters most.
Radio Vibes: How would you like to be remembered?
Dr Joshi: My greatest identity is being a good human being.
Dr Leela Joshi’s journey is a reminder that professional success acquires deeper meaning when accompanied by compassion and service. Her life and work continue to inspire young professionals to look beyond personal achievements and use their knowledge and abilities to make a meaningful difference in society.
National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is celebrated every year on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The day is dedicated to promoting national unity, integrity and security. It also encourages citizens to take pride in their nation and culture.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a visionary leader and a key figure in India’s freedom fight, and the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He played a crucial role in uniting India’s princely states into a single nation and made efforts to ensure that the country remained united and strong. For what he did for the nation, he earned the title of the “Iron Man of India”.
Here are some famous quotes by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
“Happiness and misery are paper balls. Don’t be afraid of death. Join the nationalist forces, be united. Give work to those who are hungry, food to invalids, forget your quarrels” – Date: 7 March 1942, Occasion: During Quit India Movement
“We have to shed mutual bickering, shed the difference of being high or low and develop the sense of equality and banish untouchability. We have to restore the conditions of Swaraj prevalent prior to British rule. We have to live like the children of the same father” – Date: 21 January 1942, Occasion: During Quit India Movement
“The negligence of a few could easily send a ship to the bottom, but it required the whole-hearted co-operation of all on board; she could be safely brought to port” – Date: 14 May 1928, Occasion: To villagers of Bardoli taluka during Bardoli Movement
“Non-violence has to be observed in thought, word and deed. The measure of our non-violence will be the measure of our success” – Date: 26 January 1939, Occasion: Announcing resumption of the struggle at Rajkot
“So long as you do not know how to die it is useless for you to learn how to kill. India will not be benefited by brutal force. If India is to be benefited it will be through non-violence” – Date: 5 August 1928, Occasion: Addressing Students at Surat
“Two ways of building character – cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness” – Date: 13 June 1935, when he stressed building character among students at the Rashtriya Shala Board meeting, Karadi in Jalalpore district
“Religion is a matter between the man and his Maker” – Date: 15 May 1950, while addressing a public meeting at Ernakulam
US Stock Market: Shares of major US technology companies witnessed sharp declines on Friday as investors grew increasingly concerned about the rising costs of artificial intelligence (AI) development and uncertain returns on massive investments. Intel, Reddit and Roblox recorded significant losses, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq opened at its lowest level in more than two months.
The sell-off reflects growing concerns that technology companies may be spending heavily on AI infrastructure without generating sufficient revenue to justify the investments. Disappointing earnings, weaker user growth and concerns about the impact of AI-powered search on traditional advertising and online traffic further unsettled investors.
Intel Shares Plunge 30% After Weak Earnings Outlook
Intel shares came under heavy selling pressure, falling as much as 30% in early Friday trading. The decline followed the chipmaker’s third-quarter earnings update, which warned of a weaker personal computer (PC) market and lower-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter.
Intel’s finance chief, David Zinsner, said the company did not expect to generate more cash than it spent this year. He also indicated that the slowdown in the PC market could continue through at least the first half of next year.
In its earnings call, the company said it had significantly increased spending on equipment during the third quarter and expected investment to rise further in the final three months of the year.
The outlook raised concerns among investors about Intel’s ability to balance its growing AI-related expenditure with its financial performance.
Amazon and Alphabet Shares Also Under Pressure
Amazon shares dropped as much as 6% before recovering some losses after its earnings report on Thursday fell short of market expectations.
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, also remained under pressure. Its market value had fallen by more than $500 billion on Thursday after the company disclosed that AI-generated summaries were affecting revenue from its core search advertising business.
Alphabet shares declined by another 1% in early Friday trading, extending the losses.
The developments have raised questions about how AI-powered search features could reshape Google’s traditional advertising model and affect the company’s long-term revenue streams.
Reddit and Roblox Stocks Record Major Losses
Other technology companies also faced significant selling pressure.
Reddit shares fell around 26% after the social media platform reported weaker-than-expected daily user figures. The company also warned that Google’s expanding AI-driven search features were affecting referral traffic to its platform.
Shares of online gaming company Roblox dropped nearly 20% after it reported a decline in daily active users.
The declines highlighted investor concerns that technology companies are facing challenges not only from rising operational and infrastructure costs but also from changing user behaviour and competition driven by artificial intelligence.
AI Investment Returns Become a Major Concern
Several major technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet, have reported earnings this week. Their results have intensified debate over whether the enormous investments being made in AI infrastructure will deliver sustainable financial returns.
Technology companies are spending heavily on data centres, advanced chips, computing capacity and other infrastructure required to develop and operate AI systems.
However, investors are increasingly looking for clear evidence that these investments will translate into stronger revenues and profits.
Chris Low of investment management firm FHN Financial told Reuters that much of the stock market movement was being driven by reactions to major technology companies such as Amazon and Google.
He said the companies were “showing some pretty significant growing pains as they aggressively pursue the AI build-out”.
Low added that investors were interpreting these developments as possible signs that the broader technology sector could slow down.
What Does the AI Sell-Off Mean for the US Stock Market?
The latest decline signals a shift in investor sentiment towards the technology sector. While artificial intelligence remains a major growth opportunity, investors are becoming more cautious about the cost of developing AI systems and the time required to generate meaningful returns.
The performance of major technology companies in the coming quarters will be closely watched as markets assess whether their AI investments can support long-term growth.
For now, rising expenditure, weaker earnings outlooks and uncertainty over AI-driven business models are putting pressure on US technology stocks.
The latest market correction also highlights a growing distinction between the long-term potential of artificial intelligence and the immediate financial expectations of investors.
India’s extreme poverty rate declined sharply from 27.1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023, with an estimated 496 million people moving out of poverty, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief. The report also highlighted a significant decline in poverty at the lower-middle-income threshold of USD 4.20 per day, measured in 2021 purchasing power parity (PPP). At this level, the poverty rate fell from 57.7% in 2011 to 16.1% in 2023.
The World Bank described the reduction as one of the fastest declines in poverty globally, reflecting improvements in both monetary and non-monetary indicators.
The World Bank attributed the decline primarily to growth in household consumption, increased employment opportunities—particularly for women—and expanded social protection measures, including food subsidies.
According to the report’s indicative microsimulation estimates, poverty at the USD 4.20-a-day threshold could decline further to 14.2% in 2026 and 12.1% by 2028. However, the projections may change as updated labour-market and economic data become available.
The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) also recorded a substantial improvement. India’s multidimensional poverty rate declined from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 16.4% in 2019–21. The World Bank’s own multidimensional poverty measure stood at 15.5% in 2022–23.
Despite the overall progress, poverty remains concentrated in certain regions. Around 57% of India’s poor population lives in a contiguous belt stretching from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal.
Employment increased by approximately 134 million between 2017 and 2023, nearly twice the growth in the working-age population. A significant share of this increase came from rural women entering paid employment.
However, the report also highlighted continuing labour-market concerns. Youth unemployment rose from 14.6% in the first quarter of FY26 to 15.9% in the first quarter of FY27, particularly among rural young women. Real earnings remained broadly unchanged, as much of the employment growth was concentrated in low-productivity activities.
The World Bank cautioned that household consumption survey estimates may reflect improvements in measurement as well as actual gains in living standards.
Your first business conference in Berlin calls for more than a polished presentation. Alongside meeting schedules, hotel bookings and a working mobile connection, you need to check your protection overseas. One question worth asking is: does my bank card already give cover abroad?
Some Indian debit and credit cards offer travel benefits, but the details differ widely. Before leaving, find out what is included, whether a business trip qualifies and what documents you may need for your visit to Germany.
Does Your Bank Card Include Complimentary Travel Insurance?
Yes, some bank cards provide complimentary travel insurance, but the benefit is not universal. Coverage depends on your card type, account status and the insurer’s specific policy conditions.
A card offering baggage protection might not include overseas hospitalisation or trip cancellation. Certain benefits also require eligible card spending. Read the actual policy wording instead of relying on promotional descriptions alone.
How to Activate Travel Insurance Before Flying to Berlin
Card insurance is not always active automatically. Confirm the steps with your issuer before paying for flights or leaving India.
Travel Booking Payment Requirements
Some cards require you to buy the flight ticket with that card. Keep the booking confirmation, payment record and statement as evidence for claims.
Personal Card vs Corporate Card Payments
If your employer pays with a corporate card, benefits on your card may not apply. Ask your employer which insurer covers company-booked travel.
Eligibility for Business Trips
Conferences may count as business travel, but not every card policy covers work trips. Confirm eligibility, covered destinations and any restrictions on trip length.
What Does Bank Card Travel Insurance Cover Abroad?
Benefits can vary between cards. Check each section separately, including its limit, deductible, claim conditions and documents needed for reimbursement.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Some policies pay eligible emergency hospital bills abroad, while others offer accident-only benefits. Confirm illness cover, ambulance charges, medical evacuation and available cashless arrangements.
Flight Delays and Trip Cancellation
Flight delay benefits may start only after a stated waiting period. Cancellation cover, if available, usually applies to specified reasons, not every change of plans.
Lost or Delayed Baggage
Checked baggage may be covered for loss or delay, within limits. Ask the airline for a written report immediately and keep receipts for essentials you buy.
What Business Travel Expenses May Not Be Covered?
Bank card benefits generally focus on personal travel emergencies. Several costs linked to professional duties may fall outside their scope.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Treatment linked to an existing illness may be excluded or restricted. Review the definition, especially if you take regular medicines or need ongoing care abroad.
Company Laptops and Business Equipment
Company laptops, presentation equipment and confidential documents may not qualify as personal baggage. Confirm separate equipment protection through your employer before carrying expensive devices.
Work-Related Liability
If you damage conference property or face a legal claim arising from professional services, ordinary card benefits may not include liability protection.
How to Check Your Card’s Travel Insurance Terms Before Departure
Ask for the policy wording, not just a list of benefits. Check the following details with the issuer or insurer.
Downloading the Insurance Certificate
Request a certificate that identifies you and the dates and area covered. For a German Schengen visa, confirm the document meets official insurance requirements before applying.
Reviewing Medical Coverage Limits
Check how much the policy pays for emergency treatment and repatriation. Compare those limits carefully with Germany’s visa requirements and your own medical needs.
Checking Business Travel Exclusions
Look for conditions concerning work travel, booking methods, age, accompanying colleagues and claims. Save the overseas assistance number and learn whom to contact first.
Conclusion
A successful conference requires preparation, not just a strong presentation. Your bank card might provide useful protection for delayed baggage or unexpected travel disruption, but it may leave important gaps in medical and business cover. Verify the certificate, payment requirements, benefits and exclusions before you depart. If the card’s insurance is inadequate or unsuitable for your visa, consider a separate policy. That way, you can approach your Berlin meetings with fewer avoidable concerns and a plan if something goes wrong.
Karwa Chauth Celebrity Stories: From Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, discover heartwarming stories of Bollywood stars and political leaders celebrating Karwa Chauth with love, laughter and unforgettable gestures.
Karwa Chauth is a festival of love, devotion and togetherness. The sight of women dressed in traditional attire, holding a sieve and waiting for the moon is an integral part of the celebration. For many couples, the festival is also an opportunity to create special memories and express their affection for each other.
When celebrities celebrate Karwa Chauth, their stories often attract attention for their unique and heartwarming moments. From husbands observing fasts alongside their wives to extraordinary efforts to catch a glimpse of the moon, these experiences show how couples add their personal touch to the traditional festival.
Here are some memorable Karwa Chauth stories featuring Bollywood celebrities, international personalities and prominent political leaders.
1. Virat Kohli Observed a Fast Alongside Anushka Sharma
Karwa Chauth in 2019 became a special occasion for Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma. Instead of leaving Anushka to observe the fast alone, Virat joined her in the tradition.
The couple observed the fast together and shared photographs of the special occasion. Anushka affectionately referred to Virat as her “fasting partner”, highlighting the spirit of companionship behind their celebration.
Their gesture resonated with fans, offering a modern interpretation of a tradition traditionally observed by married women for their husbands’ long lives.
2. Vicky Kaushal’s Moonlight Joke Made Katrina Kaif Laugh
For Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, their first Karwa Chauth after marriage in 2022 was filled with affection and humour.
Katrina observed the fast, while Vicky reportedly stayed hungry throughout the day to accompany his wife. As evening approached, the couple waited for the moon to appear so that Katrina could break her fast.
Katrina turned to Google to find out when the moon would rise and received an estimated time of 8:30 pm. However, the moon remained hidden even after the predicted time had passed.
Vicky responded with a humorous observation that made the moment memorable: “The moon doesn’t listen to Google; it comes out whenever it wants.”
The incident captured the lighter side of Karwa Chauth, where patience and humour can make even a delayed moonrise a cherished memory.
3. Raghav Chadha Applied Mehendi on Parineeti Chopra’s Hand
Parineeti Chopra and politician Raghav Chadha celebrated their first Karwa Chauth in 2023. One of the most memorable moments was Raghav applying mehendi to Parineeti’s palm.
Mehendi is an important part of many traditional celebrations, and Raghav’s gesture added a personal touch to the occasion.
The couple shared photographs of their celebration on social media, giving fans a glimpse of their special day. The simple act of applying mehendi became a heartwarming expression of affection, demonstrating that thoughtful gestures can be more meaningful than expensive gifts.
4. Ranveer Singh Revealed He Fasted for Deepika Padukone
Ranveer Singh is known for his expressive personality and grand declarations of love. In 2021, he shared a lesser-known detail about his relationship with Deepika Padukone.
During an episode of his television show The Big Picture, Ranveer revealed that he observed the Karwa Chauth fast for Deepika.
He also drew attention to a romantic detail involving mehendi. The actor had the initial “D”, representing Deepika’s name, written on his palm.
The gesture reflected his affectionate approach to their relationship and showed how couples can reinterpret traditional customs in their own way.
5. Nick Jonas Took Priyanka Chopra Above the Clouds to See the Moon
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have shared several memorable moments from their life together, but their Karwa Chauth story stands out for its unusual solution to a common problem.
Priyanka had observed the fast for Nick, but the moon remained hidden behind clouds. Even by 10 or 11 pm, the weather had not cleared, making it difficult for her to complete the ritual in the usual way.
In 2025, Priyanka recounted how Nick came up with an extraordinary idea. He took her aboard an aircraft and flew above the clouds so that she could see the moon and break her fast.
The gesture turned an inconvenient weather situation into a remarkable memory.
Priyanka has also shared that her mother-in-law sends her sargi every year. Sargi is the pre-dawn meal traditionally eaten before beginning the Karwa Chauth fast.
6. Zaheer Iqbal Fasted Alongside Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal celebrated their first Karwa Chauth after marriage in 2024. Sonakshi observed the fast, while Zaheer decided to accompany her by not eating throughout the day.
When Sonakshi asked why he had chosen to fast, Zaheer answered in his characteristic humorous style: “Because if I ate in front of you, you would kill me!”
The exchange brought laughter to their celebration. Sonakshi subsequently shared a video of the moment on social media, encouraging people to find a partner who would not leave them hungry alone.
Their story offered a playful take on the festival, showing that companionship can be expressed through humour as much as through solemn rituals.
7. Ayushmann Khurrana Observed a Fast for Tahira Kashyap
For Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap, Karwa Chauth in 2018 carried a deeper emotional significance. Tahira was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and could not observe the fast because of her health.
Ayushmann decided to observe the fast himself, turning the occasion into a gesture of support for his wife.
He also had the initial “T”, representing Tahira’s name, written in mehendi on his palm.
His gesture was a touching reminder that love and companionship are not limited to one person making sacrifices for the other. During difficult times, partners can support each other in equally meaningful ways.
8. Anurag Thakur Took a Walk with Wife Shefali on Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth also brought a memorable moment for BJP leader and former Union minister Anurag Thakur and his wife, Shefali.
In 2022, Anurag spent time with Shefali on a walk along Kartavya Path in Delhi.
He shared a video of their walk on social media with the caption, “Kartavya Path… a journey with my life partner.”
The moment showed how a simple walk together can become special amid the demands of public life and political responsibilities.
15. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Observes Karwa Chauth for Her Husband
Public responsibilities often leave little time for personal occasions, particularly for political leaders with demanding schedules.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta observes Karwa Chauth for her husband, Manish Gupta, while balancing the responsibilities of public office with family traditions.
Her celebration reflects the importance many people attach to preserving personal and cultural customs despite busy professional lives.
16. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Narrated the Karwa Chauth Story to Wife Sadhna
In 2021, Shivraj Singh Chouhan spent Karwa Chauth with his wife, Sadhna Singh, at their residence in Bhopal.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister narrated the traditional Karwa Chauth story to her on the occasion.
The ritual is an important part of many families’ celebrations, bringing together storytelling, faith and time spent with loved ones.
His gesture highlighted the personal side of a political leader whose daily schedule often involves official meetings and public engagements.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his wife, Geeta Dhami, also mark Karwa Chauth as a family occasion.
Despite the demands of political life, the festival offers an opportunity to spend time together and observe family traditions.
For public figures, such occasions provide a glimpse into the personal relationships that remain important beyond their official responsibilities.
18. Brijesh Pathak and Namrata Pathak Celebrate Traditional Customs
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and his wife, Namrata Pathak, celebrate Karwa Chauth according to traditional customs.
For the couple, the occasion is an opportunity to maintain family traditions amid the busy schedule of public life.
Their celebration reflects a familiar aspect of the festival: making time for relationships and shared customs despite professional commitments.
Karwa Chauth: A Celebration of Love, Togetherness and Tradition
From Virat Kohli fasting alongside Anushka Sharma to Nick Jonas taking Priyanka Chopra above the clouds, these celebrity stories reveal the many ways couples celebrate Karwa Chauth.
Some moments are romantic, others humorous, while a few carry a deeper emotional meaning. Whether it is applying mehendi, observing a fast together, sharing a meal or simply spending time with a partner, the stories show how personal gestures can make a traditional festival memorable.
Ultimately, Karwa Chauth is celebrated in different ways by different couples. These experiences highlight the importance of companionship, mutual care and the little moments that strengthen relationships.
Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival observed by married women across several parts of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. Celebrated on the fourth day after the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, according to the traditional calendar, the festival is associated with marital devotion, prayers for a husband’s long life and the enduring bond between spouses. In 2026, Karva Chauth falls on October 29.
The festival derives its name from two words: karva, meaning an earthen pot used in the rituals, and chauth, meaning the fourth day. Traditionally, women observe a fast from sunrise until moonrise, praying for the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. Over time, the festival has also come to represent love, companionship and the celebration of marital relationships.
The significance of Karva Chauth lies in its association with faith, commitment and family traditions. For many women, the fast is an expression of devotion and a way of participating in a cultural practice passed down through generations. While traditionally observed by married women, the festival’s contemporary celebrations increasingly emphasise mutual care and affection between partners.
One of the most widely known stories associated with Karva Chauth is the legend of Queen Veeravati. According to the popular tale, Veeravati, a devoted wife, observed a strict fast for her husband’s well-being. Unable to bear her hunger and thirst, she was deceived by her brothers, who created the appearance of a rising moon using a light and a mirror. Believing that the moon had appeared, she broke her fast. The story says that she subsequently learnt of her husband’s misfortune and prayed with deep devotion until divine intervention restored his life. The legend is often recounted to illustrate the importance of faith and the traditional significance of completing the fast after sighting the moon.
Another story associated with the festival is that of Karva, a devoted wife who used her courage and determination to protect her husband. Different regional traditions recount variations of these legends, reflecting the festival’s rich oral storytelling heritage.
Preparations for Karva Chauth often begin days in advance, with women purchasing traditional clothing, jewellery, bangles, henna and items required for the puja. Markets in many cities take on a festive atmosphere, with shops displaying colourful accessories, decorated karvas, puja thalis and sweets. Women may dress in red, maroon, pink or other festive colours, often choosing sarees or lehengas and wearing traditional ornaments.
The day typically begins before sunrise with sargi, a pre-dawn meal traditionally prepared or given by the mother-in-law. It may include fruits, sweets, dry fruits, savoury foods and other dishes intended to sustain women through the day. After sargi, women begin their fast, traditionally abstaining from both food and water until moonrise. Customs vary between families, and not every woman observes the fast in the same way.
During the afternoon or evening, women gather for the Karva Chauth puja. They arrange a decorated puja thali containing items such as a diya, flowers, vermilion, rice, sweets and a karva filled with water. The group may listen to or recite the Karva Chauth vrat katha, the traditional fasting story, while following local customs. In some communities, women exchange karvas or participate in rituals led by an elder woman.
The sighting of the moon is the most anticipated moment of the festival. After moonrise, women offer prayers, view the moon through a sieve and then look at their husbands through it. In many traditions, the husband offers his wife water and food, marking the end of the fast. The exact sequence of rituals differs across regions and households.
Although Karva Chauth is rooted in traditional beliefs, its observance continues to evolve. Some couples now celebrate together, with husbands fasting alongside their wives as a gesture of shared commitment. Others focus on the evening prayers, family gatherings and exchange of gifts. The festival has also become a prominent subject in Indian cinema and popular culture, further shaping its contemporary image.
Beyond its rituals and legends, Karva Chauth remains an occasion that brings families together and keeps cultural traditions alive. For those who observe it, the festival combines faith, storytelling and celebration, reflecting how customs inherited from earlier generations continue to find meaning in changing times.
Celebrate the festival with Happy Karwa Chauth 2026 Wishes, Images, Quotes, Messages and Greetings to share with your loved ones. Discover heartfelt wishes, meaningful quotes and beautiful messages to celebrate love, devotion and togetherness on this auspicious occasion.
Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival observed by married women, primarily in North India, who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being, prosperity and long life of their husbands. The festival falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually in October or November.
Women traditionally begin the day with sargi, a pre-dawn meal, dress in festive attire, apply mehndi and gather for prayers and the ritual of listening to the katha. The fast is traditionally broken after the moon is sighted, with women offering prayers to the moon before drinking water and eating. Over time, the festival has also evolved, with some couples choosing to observe the fast together as a gesture of love and companionship.
On the occasion of Karwachauth today, indianexpress.com has curated Happy Karwachauth 2026 wishes, images, quotes, messages and greetings for you to share with your loved ones.
Happy Karwa Chauth 2026 Wishes
May the auspicious occasion of Karwa Chauth bring love, happiness and prosperity to your married life. Wishing you a beautiful and blessed celebration!
May your bond grow stronger with every passing year, and may your life together be filled with trust, understanding and endless love. Happy Karwa Chauth 2026!
On this special day, may your prayers be answered and your marriage be blessed with good health, happiness and lasting companionship. Happy Karwa Chauth!
May the sacred fast of Karwa Chauth bring peace to your home and strengthen the beautiful bond you share with your partner. Have a blessed celebration!
Wishing you a Karwa Chauth filled with beautiful traditions, heartfelt prayers, cherished moments and the promise of a lifetime of love.
May your relationship shine as brightly as the full moon and may every year bring new reasons to celebrate your love. Happy Karwa Chauth 2026!
May this Karwa Chauth bring countless smiles, treasured memories and renewed affection into your married life. Wishing you both happiness and prosperity always.
Happy Karwa Chauth 2026 Quotes
“The moon may shine in the night sky, but the love we share is the light that guides us through life.”
“True love is found in the promises we keep, the sacrifices we make and the little moments we cherish together.”
“A happy marriage is not about finding a perfect partner, but about building a beautiful life together.”
“Like the moon returning to the night sky, may love and happiness find their way into your life, year after year.”
“The most precious gift in marriage is not a lifetime without challenges, but a companion who faces them with you.”
“Love makes traditions timeless, prayers meaningful and togetherness the most beautiful part of life.”
“May every moonrise bring renewed hope, every prayer strengthen your bond and every passing year deepen your love.”
Happy Karwa Chauth 2026 Messages
Wishing you a very Happy Karwa Chauth 2026! May your marriage be blessed with endless love, mutual respect, happiness and togetherness. May you and your partner continue to cherish every moment spent together.
May this Karwa Chauth bring you closer to the one you love and fill your home with warmth, laughter and prosperity. Wishing you both a lifetime of beautiful memories and unwavering companionship.
Sending you heartfelt wishes on Karwa Chauth 2026. May the moonlight illuminate your life with hope, your love remain steadfast through every challenge and your journey together be filled with countless blessings.
May the sacred traditions of Karwa Chauth remind you of the beautiful bond you share with your partner. Wishing you a day filled with devotion, meaningful moments and the joy of celebrating your love.
Happy Karwa Chauth to you and your beloved! May your relationship always be built on trust, understanding and kindness, and may you find comfort and strength in each other through every chapter of life.
As you celebrate Karwa Chauth, may your home be filled with happiness and your heart with gratitude for the love you share. May the years ahead bring you good health, prosperity and countless reasons to smile.
Wishing all couples celebrating Karwa Chauth a beautiful day filled with love and cherished traditions. May your commitment to each other continue to inspire you, and may your marriage flourish with happiness and harmony.
Happy Karwa Chauth 2026 Greetings
Warm greetings on Karwa Chauth 2026! May this beautiful festival bring love, happiness and prosperity to your married life, strengthening the bond you share with your partner.
Sending you heartfelt greetings on this auspicious occasion. May your marriage be filled with trust, understanding, shared dreams and countless precious memories. Happy Karwa Chauth!
May the traditions of Karwa Chauth bring renewed hope and happiness into your life. Wishing you and your partner a lifetime of companionship, good health and togetherness.
On this special day, may your prayers be answered and your love continue to grow stronger with every passing year. Have a beautiful and blessed Karwa Chauth 2026!
May the moonlight of Karwa Chauth illuminate your journey together, bringing warmth to your hearts and happiness to every moment you share. Heartiest greetings to you and your family!
Wishing you a joyful Karwa Chauth filled with beautiful traditions, festive celebrations and the warmth of your loved ones. May love and harmony always flourish in your home.
May this Karwa Chauth bring you closer to your partner and remind you of the beauty of patience, devotion and mutual respect. Sending you my warmest wishes for a happy celebration
A rise in health insurance rates means employers spend more on group cover, and employees often end up with a lower sum insured, less family cover or a share of the premium to pay. When rates ease, companies can afford to offer better benefits.
Most group health policies in India come up for renewal once a year. Each time, the insurer goes through last year’s claims and the age mix of the staff and then fixes a fresh premium. So the cover you had last year may not be the cover you get this year.
Group premiums move up or down based on a handful of things. Some of them are in the company’s hands. Most are not.
The number and size of claims made by staff in the past year
Medical inflation, as hospital bills and treatment costs keep climbing
The average age of the team, since older groups tend to claim more
Extra benefits the employer adds, like parental or maternity cover
How Rate Changes Affect Employers
For a business, health cover is a real cost that sits right next to salaries. A higher premium at renewal can upset a budget that you planned months ago.
HR teams usually have two choices here. They can pay the extra amount and keep the policy as it is. Or they can change the plan to keep costs in check. That might mean a lower cover limit, a small co-payment, or asking staff to pay for their parents’ cover.
Neither choice is easy, as health benefits are a key factor in retaining good employees. That is why many employers try to keep the core cover steady and adjust only the add-ons.
How Rate Changes Affect Employees
Employees usually find out about these changes at renewal time, often through an email from HR. It is worth reading that email closely.
Here is what can change for you:
Your sum insured may go down
You may have to pay a part of every claim yourself
Your parents might be moved to a separate plan that you pay for
A part of the premium may be taken from your salary
None of this shows up until you actually need to use the policy. By then, it is too late to add more cover. So the right time to check is just after renewal.
Why Personal Health Cover Matters
Your group policy is tied to your job. A personal plan is not tied to your job, and that makes a big difference over time.
If you switch jobs or take a career break, your work cover usually stops on your last day. A personal policy keeps going. It also lets you pick the family members you want to cover and the sum insured that suits your needs.
There is another plus. The waiting period for pre-existing illnesses only counts down while you hold the same policy. Start early, and you will finish sooner, when you are more likely to have fewer health issues to declare.
Premiums for personal health cover may also qualify for a tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This depends on the tax regime you choose and is subject to changes in tax laws.
If a full policy feels like a lot, a top-up or super top-up on your group cover is a cost-effective way to add extra protection.
What Employers And Employees Can Do
A little planning makes renewal much easier for both sides.
Employers can:
Study claims data a few months before renewal, not a week before
Offer health check-ups and wellness drives through the year
Tell staff what has changed in the plan and why
Employees can:
Read the policy terms each year instead of assuming nothing has changed
Think about whether the cover is really enough for their family
Look at a personal plan or a top-up while they are still young and healthy
Final Thoughts
Rate changes are a normal part of group health insurance. What matters is being ready for them.
Employers who plan ahead can protect both their budget and their people. Employees who keep some personal cover of their own can stay protected whatever happens at work. Please note that policy benefits and claim approval are subject to the insurer’s terms and underwriting guidelines.
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Dreamers Collective Production, led by writer-director Ashutosh Mishra, has won the Platinum Award in the Vertical Category at the IFP 50-Hour Film Challenge 2026 for its short film Nazar-O-CARam. The achievement marks the team’s second consecutive year of recognition at the festival.
In 2025, the team received a nomination at IFP but did not win an award. Returning in 2026 with a new story, the filmmakers secured the Platinum Award, marking a milestone in their independent filmmaking journey.
Nazar-O-CARam is a comedy that explores the influence of everyday superstitions on Indian life. The film draws humour from familiar beliefs and practices, including reacting to sneezes, avoiding lemon-and-chilli amulets, watching for bad omens and waiting for auspicious timings.
The story follows Vikku, whose attempt to get a car is repeatedly interrupted by situations associated with superstition. As these incidents unfold, he begins to fear that something bad might happen. Through humour, the film explores the role of traditional beliefs in everyday decisions amid a changing India.
Written and directed by Ashutosh Mishra, the film stars Vikash Rathor and Hritika Gupta. The project brought together a team responsible for cinematography, editing, costume styling, production, art and poster design.
The film’s Platinum Award in the Vertical Category at IFP 2026 adds to Dreamers Collective Production’s journey in independent filmmaking and brings recognition to Bhopal’s emerging filmmaking community.
Film Credits
Writer and Director: Ashutosh Mishra Cast: Vikash Rathor and Hritika Gupta Project Head: Simran Assistant Director: Faizal Ahmad DOP/Cinematographer: Mithilesh Rajput Chief Editor: Prayanshh Vasnik Costume Stylist: Ishika Agrawal Production Heads: Nishchay Dinesh Gurung, Pranav and Krishna Soni Art/Production: Neelmani Kadwe and Chaitanya Soni Poster Design: Mohammad Talib
