Sushma Swaraj to observe 'Karwa Chauth' despite hectic official work

New Delhi: Known for observing religious rituals meticulously, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said she will observe the 'Karwa Chauth' fast on October 30, even while attending to official duties.

As India hosts the Africa Summit, she will be present in all the official functions and meetings on October 30 though she will observe fast to mark 'Karwa Chauth', a pre-Diwali custom followed by married women for the well being of their husbands.

"I must tell you, after become minister one forgets Holi, Diwali, Karwa Chauth. You will be surprised to know that on Shivratri I was in Oman and observed Durga Ashtami in Moscow.

"On Karwa Chauth, which is on October 30, I will observe fast but will hold meetings (with the visiting foreign ministers from African nations)," she said at the India-Africa Business Forum here.

The minister said she held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of seven African countries yesterday and would be meeting 12 today and others on October 30.