Television actor Devoleena Bhattacharjee took to social media on Thursday, October 29, to defend the Hindu festival of Karwa Chauth, urging critics not to label traditional celebrations with terms like “patriarchy” or “feminism” as long as participation remains a personal choice.
Addressing her followers on X (formerly Twitter), the former Saath Nibhaana Saathiya star clarified that while she has never observed the sunrise-to-moonrise Nirjala Vrat herself, she respects those who do and hopes to try it in the future.
‘A Language of Love, Not Patriarchy’
Explaining why she has not traditionally kept the fast, Devoleena noted that Karwa Chauth is not part of native Assamese or Bengali cultural customs. However, she expressed a desire to participate in the festival someday, admitting that fasting without water remains a daunting task.
”I’ve never kept a Karwa Chauth fast because, in Bengali and Assamese cultures, it isn’t a tradition,” Devoleena wrote on X. “Honestly, I do feel like keeping it someday. But I’m scared I won’t be able to manage a whole day without water! I fast every Monday and sometimes on Ekadashi, but water fasting? That’s a different story!”
Calling out public discourse surrounding traditional fasting rituals, she argued that the festival serves as an expression of love for many modern couples, noting that many husbands now fast alongside their wives.
”So why bring feminism, patriarchy and judgment into someone else’s celebration? You don’t believe in it? Don’t celebrate it. Nobody is judging you. But why spoil someone else’s happiness?” she added. “As long as it’s a personal choice and nobody is forced into it, let people celebrate love the way they want to.”
Interfaith Marriage and Personal Choice
Devoleena married fitness trainer Shanawaz Shaikh in a private ceremony in December 2022. The actor shared that despite her husband being Muslim, he thoughtfully asks her every year if she plans to observe Karwa Chauth.
”And every year, I say, with a heavy heart, ‘Dekhte hain, next year.’ I’m still breastfeeding, so hopefully next year!” Devoleena revealed. “We do intermittent fasting, try keto and follow all kinds of diets for ourselves. But when it comes to fasting for a husband, suddenly everything becomes about patriarchy and feminism? Love is personal. Traditions are personal. Celebrations are personal.”
Devoleena and Shanawaz welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in December 2024. The actor concluded her note by wishing all women celebrating Karwa Chauth a joyful festival.
