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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The post 10 Times When Celebrities Attacked Karwa Chauth And Hindu Customs (2013-2025) appeared first on The Commune.

As the fasting season of Ramzan began, several screenshots of news articles from the past started surfacing on social media. These screenshots contrasted the narratives of news media when it came to presenting Ramzan and Karwa Chauth. Let’s take a look at the many instances of such blatant hypocrisy and negative narrative setting by media especially when denouncing Hindu fasts/rituals while glorifying those of Muslim festivals.

The Hindu

The Hindu had come up with articles promoting the positive effects of fasting during Ramzan, especially for diabetics.

However, the same publication called fasting “tricky” for diabetics when done during Karwa Chauth!

Hindustan Times

Hindustan Times is known for amplifying anti-Hindu voices as we have been seeing for quite some time. Take the case of Naomi Barton, leftist journo who had problems with Deepavali fireworks or purchasing non-veg during Shivaratri, it was all reported by Hindustan Times. So will they be far behind when it comes to Karwa Chauth and Ramzan? Here are some samples – Fasting during Karwa Chauth could lead to hormonal disruptions so they give tips to women to “avoid” it.

But for Ramzan, the tables turn. Intermittent fasting is beneficial especially when done Ramzan style!

Indian Express

Even Indian Express had indulged in fear mongering during Karwa Chauth – they said that women fasting during the festival would face hormonal issues. Here’s what they wrote.

And as if Ramzan fast is observed by men alone, the problem of hormonal imbalance or other hormone related problems vanish for Indian Express. Fasting during Ramzan becomes beneficial and helps to lose weight, reduce blood sugar, and cholesterol. Oh what a miracle!

Free Press Journal

The Free Press Journal shares images of a Malay family fasting and comes up with several slides proving Ramzan fasting is a great thing, a very beneficial thing to do.

However, fasting during Karwa Chauth is all about breaking stereotypes, encouraging men to fast and all the feminist trope one can come up with!

Times of India

Similar to The Free Press Journal, for Times of India, Karwa Chawth is all about gender equality, breaking norms, conservativeness etc.

But fasting during Ramzan is all about stress management, great stress reducer!

India TV News

For India TV News, Karwa Chauth fasting is a matter of fun, joke and mockery.

But when it comes to Ramzan, they turn all serious and push the “health benefits” narrative.

Even health-related websites followed the same pattern. Here are a couple of examples.

The Health Site

Fear mongering about Karwa Chauth and periods is a given for even health websites when it comes to the Hindu festival.

But on the other hand, you can beat acidity during fasting with their tips!

Her Zindagi

This website Her Zindagi.com seems to be a woman-oriented website and talks about revolution and breaking gender stereotypes, tradition, etc.

But Ramzan fasting is good for health! There need not be any rebellious streak attached to Ramzan fasting because – good for health yo!

The contrasting narratives presented by mainstream media outlets regarding Ramzan and Karwa Chauth fasting reveal a troubling pattern of bias and hypocrisy. While Ramzan fasting is often glorified for its health benefits, spiritual significance, and communal harmony, Karwa Chauth is frequently subjected to skepticism, fear-mongering, and feminist critiques. This double standard not only undermines the cultural and religious practices of Hindus but also highlights the media’s tendency to cater to specific agendas. Such selective reporting fosters division and perpetuates stereotypes, rather than promoting understanding and respect for diverse traditions.

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The post Fasting During Ramzan Vs Karwa Chauth: Exposing The Hypocrisy Of Legacy Media That Slanders Hindu Traditions While Glorifying Islamic Practices appeared first on The Commune.