The Hindu festival of Karwa Chauth, traditionally observed by married women fasting for their husbands’ longevity, has faced increasing public criticism from women in the public eye over the past decade. From 2016 to 2025, numerous celebrities, journalists, and artists have questioned the ritual’s relevance in modern society, labeling it as patriarchal, unnecessary, or openly mocking its practices. Their statements have consistently ignited widespread debate on social media and in public discourse, creating a clear cultural fault line between traditional practices and evolving perspectives on gender equality and personal choice.
#1 Deepika Padukone’s Personal Choice (2025)
In October 2025, Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone announced she would not be observing Karwa Chauth, a decision that quickly became a national talking point. The actress stated that her choice stemmed from a personal belief that her husband’s well-being was not contingent on her fasting. Her prominence ensured the comment sparked extensive discussion, with many applauding her stance on personal agency while others defended the tradition as a cultural and voluntary expression of love. It is noteworthy that the actress has earlier claimed personal choice about her body as well.
#2 Arati Kadav’s Critique of Bollywood (2025)
Filmmaker Arati Kadav, in March 2025, directed her criticism not just at the ritual but at Bollywood’s role in shaping its perception. She argued that the film industry has systematically “glorified the ritual, turning it into something celebratory and even gender-neutral,” which she believes misrepresents its inherently unequal nature. Kadav contended that this cinematic portrayal creates a powerful, misleading narrative that pressures women into participation.
#3 Kajol Questions Fasting in DDLJ
In an interview with The Indian Express on 25 October 2024, actress Kajol expressed her disagreement with several choices of her iconic character Simran in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. When asked about Simran observing the Karwa Chauth fast, Kajol said she “didn’t agree in a lot of places.” Reacting to co-star Kriti Sanon’s comment that Shah Rukh Khan’s Raj also fasted for Simran, Kajol remarked, “Haantoh? I don’t understand why people have to starve themselves. Bhookh kaise rokhna hai (Who likes to starve)?”
#4 Neha Dixit’s Social Media Stance (2022)
Journalist Neha Dixit ignited a fierce online debate in October 2022 with her blunt critique of Karwa Chauth. Her statement, “No man is worth staying hungry for,” served as a direct challenge to the festival’s core premise. The post immediately went viral, drawing both strong support and significant backlash. While many users defended the festival as a personal and cultural choice, Dixit’s comment resonated with those who view it as an outdated symbol of patriarchal expectation.
#5 Kamla Bhasin’s Patriarchal Analysis (2022)
In August 2022, noted feminist author and activist Kamla Bhasin delivered a structural critique of Karwa Chauth, framing it as a festival that reinforces patriarchy. Bhasin argued that such traditions symbolically cast men in the role of perpetual protectors, subtly implying that women are inherently in need of male guardianship, first from their fathers and then their husbands. Her analysis moved beyond the act of fasting to question the underlying power dynamics the ritual represents, positioning it within a broader framework of systemic gender inequality rather than an isolated cultural practice.
Make fun; take dig at Hindu festivals and than they say why people are boycotting our movie. pic.twitter.com/DIv1HvwaPw
— Sameet Thakkar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@thakkar_sameet) August 13, 2022
#6 Ratna Pathak Shah’s “Appalling” Remark (2022)
Veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah stirred controversy in July 2022 by describing the sight of modern, educated women observing Karwa Chauth as “appalling.” She expressed dismay at the persistence of the ritual, even drawing a comparison to societal trends in Saudi Arabia to underscore her point. Her comments triggered a massive online backlash, with many accusing her of disrespecting cultural and religious sentiments.
#7 Rhea Kapoor Rejects Peer Pressure (2021)
Filmmaker and stylist Rhea Kapoor used her social media platform in October 2021 to publicly reject Karwa Chauth and address the social pressure surrounding it. She explicitly stated that she does not observe the fast and urged others to stop pressuring her to conform to the tradition. Kapoor’s post highlighted a growing trend of women openly resisting what they perceive as coercive social expectations, moving the conversation from abstract critique to personal boundary-setting.
#8 Radhika Vaz’s Satirical Take (2020)
‘Comedian’ Radhika Vaz faced significant backlash in July 2020 for her routine mocking Karwa Chauth, in which she used derogatory terms to describe women who observe the fast. In the two-minute video, she referred to women observing the fast for their husbands’ health in derogatory terms, igniting anger on social media. Critics argue her comments insult Hindu traditions and hurt religious sentiments, while Vaz has defended herself, claiming she was merely questioning man-made practices. The controversy forms part of a larger pattern of provocative acts by Vaz, who has faced backlash for public nudity and abusive posts, raising debates over freedom of expression versus cultural respect.
#9 Twinkle Khanna’s Sarcastic Commentary (2016)
In a 2016 tweet that set an early precedent for such critiques, author and former actress Twinkle Khanna mocked Karwa Chauth with her signature sarcasm. She quipped that modern life’s conveniences made fasting an unnecessary component for a lasting marriage, humorously questioning the ritual’s logic.
#10 Kareena Kapoor Khan Declines Karwa Chauth Fast (2013)
In October 2013, actress Kareena Kapoor announced that she will not observe the Karwa Chauth fast for her husband, Saif Ali Khan, stating she does not believe in going without food to prove love. “I don’t need to starve to prove my love. I am a Kapoor… I can’t live without food,” she said, adding that she would instead celebrate the day by eating, working, and promoting her film.
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