Karwa Chauth, considered a propitious occasion, was celebrated by Indians nationwide and abroad on Sunday, October 20. Traditionally, this day calls for women to fast for their husbands’ long and healthy lives. They keep a fast and end it in the evening after viewing the moon. Though the festival is very important for married couples, many unmarried women also observe the fasts for their partner or fiancé.
Amongst all this jubilation was a somewhat strange video in which a senior citizen was fasting for the grown-up starlet of yesteryear, Mia Khalifa-kept, trending on social media. When shared rather liberally on different platforms, the video started to trend; onlookers found it hilarious, and others termed it “creepy.”
There, the man is standing on a terrace, holding the customary thali, a sieve, and an earthen lamp. A photo of Khalifa is embedded on the wall beside him. As the ritual starts, the man sees the moon through the channel and then turns toward the picture of Khalifa.
Some found the video funny, while others remarked how uncomfortable it made them. One viewer commented, “So funny,” while another saw the situation differently: “This is creepy: Elderly man performs Karwa Chauth puja for Mia Khalifa. What the hell is going on in the world?”
Another similar video of another aged man, who was seen dressed in traditional wear and performing the Karwa Chauth ritual in front of Khalifa’s photograph, did the rounds. He offered water and did aarti after sighting her through the channel.
Of course, despite this light-hearted and general take on the video, tons of Karwa Chauth celebrations did go viral online, showcasing the real spirit and meaning of the festival.
