Teej to Karva Chauth: Here's why I refuse to fast for my husband

Is my husband's life of more value than my own? Photo Courtesy: YouTube/ T-Series

If you are an Indian woman, you are bestowed with a very important role. Basically, you are the caretaker of your husband's life. No, I don't mean you are a regular caregiver, who feeds, clothes, or takes care of the over-grown male child. It is the responsibility of keeping your husband safe from all the evils in the world that lies on your shoulder. And how do you do that? Well, you starve yourself on festivals like Teej and Karva Chauth and pray the Almighty to bless your husband with a long life.

Well, while some women may go OTT with the festivities and tradition associated with both these festivals, I on the other hand refuse to partake in it. Now, before you label me as the 'feminist types,' which I am by the way, hear me out.

It's Really Sexist And How Can We Not See It?

For starters, the tradition in itself reeks of sexism. Hello! What about gender equality? Here I am, refusing my body the right to eat and drink, while my husband hogs all the delicacies prepared for the occasion. What sort of a message does that send out? Does it mean my husband's life is of more value than my own? Hell! I really don't think so.

It Defies Logic And Science

Yes, I agree there is a backstory behind every legend in India, but I am no expert to verify or validate the claim. However, I do understand that when I don't drink a drop of water for an entire day, I am subjecting myself to severe dehydration. Not to mention, without any food in my system--I really not doing anyone any favours except sending my gastric juices into an overdrive.

Then Again, If Hunger Promises Immortality Then My Husband Would Survive Forever

I am really careless when it comes to food. On occasions more than one, I forget to feed myself and drink water because I am busy meeting deadlines. So, by that logic I starve myself more than any other average Indian woman. And do you what that means? Well, immortality for my husband. After all, if God grants life to men on the basis of how little their wives eat--then my husband would surely win the race.

But, all jokes apart. I feel no one has any control over a man's life span or his demise. So, encouraging such sexist festivals fueled by superstition is really not the best thing to live by.

Also read: 5 practical ways to develop a thick skin when your in-laws make your life hard

Also read: India's obsession with having a male child has made me fearful of pregnancy