Write an article based on this summary:

Know that the festival is held in the states of Rajasthan, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. Begin preparing for the festivities a few days in advance. Wake up before sunrise on the day of Karva Chauth.
Similar festivals are held throughout India, but Karva Chauth is unique to the northern region. If you're participating in the festival, you might want to buy make-up and cosmetics (shringar), adornments, jewelry and Karva lamps and plates. Local shops and bazaars decorate their stores with festive Karva Chauth products so you won't have a hard time finding plenty of fun options. You should get up with your fellow celebrants before dawn and have something to eat and drink. If you're partaking in the festivities in Uttar Pradesh, you'll likely eat soot feni (a traditional Garbanzo bean and milk dish) with milk in sugar on the night before the celebration. This mixture allegedly helps to abstain from water the next day. The sargi() in Punjab is a significant part of this pre sunrise meal. The sargi is collection of sumptuous food items, and traditionally sent or offered to your mother-in-law by you, her daughter-in-law. If you and your mother-in-law live in the same house, the pre-dawn meal will be prepared by your mother-in-law.