Women perform rituals on Karva Chauth in Patna on Wednesday. It is a daylong festival celebrated by married Hindu women in many countries in which they fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and long life of their husbands. Sometimes, unmarried women join the fast for their fiancés or desired husbands. Women begin preparing for Karva Chauth a few days in advance, by buying shringar (cosmetics), traditional adornments or jewellery, and puja items such as the Karva lamps, matthi, henna and the decorated pujathali (plate). Bazaars also take on a festive look as shopkeepers put their Karva Chauth related products on display. (PTI)