22 October 2026
Karva Chauth sargi and the evening thali
Karva Chauth runs from before sunrise to moonrise. The day starts with sargi, a plate traditionally sent by the mother-in-law and eaten before dawn, and ends with the evening puja, the first sight of the moon through a sieve, and a family meal. Both plates are small rituals of their own, and a few spices carry them.
The sargi plate
Sargi is eaten in the quiet hours before sunrise, so it is usually simple and filling:
- Feni or kheer: sweet vermicelli soaked in warm milk, or a bowl of rice kheer, scented with a pinch of cardamom powder.
- Mathri: crisp, flaky and peppery, made a day or two ahead.
- Fruit: whatever is in season, cut just before serving.
- Dry fruits: a small bowl of almonds, pistachios and raisins, or our Nuts and Berries mix, which adds cranberries and seeds.
Cardamom feni in five minutes
- Warm one cup of milk with one to two teaspoons of sugar.
- Add a quarter teaspoon of cardamom powder and stir.
- Crumble a handful of feni into a bowl, pour the warm milk over and let it soften for a minute.
- Top with chopped almonds and pistachios.
The evening thali
After the moon is sighted and the fast is broken, the meal is usually festive but light: puri or paratha, a dry sabzi, raita and something sweet. Fresh, whole green cardamom pods crushed into the kheer or halwa give the best aroma, and a pinch of black pepper powder lifts the raita.
End the evening with a small bowl of mukhwas on the table. The Rose Leaf Mix suits the occasion, with rose petals, fennel and sesame.
Make ahead
- Mathri keeps for two to three weeks in a closed tin, so make it at the weekend.
- Kheer can be made the night before and kept in the fridge.
- Lay out the sargi plate before going to bed so the morning is calm.
Frequently asked questions
Who gives sargi?
Traditionally the mother-in-law sends it, and many families now share it between mothers, daughters and friends.
Can sargi be made the night before?
Most of it can. Cut fruit and warm milk are best prepared just before eating.
