Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth, also known as Karva Chauth or Karaka Chaturthi, is a traditional Hindu fasting festival observed primarily by married women. The vrat is traditionally observed for the well-being and longevity of the husband, and the day includes fasting, evening worship and the sighting of the Moon before the fast is traditionally broken.
The exact Karwa Chauth date, Puja Muhurat and Moonrise time depend on the year and location, so readers should check the timings for their city before observing the vrat.
Karwa Chauth Date and Timings
Karwa Chauth 2026: Thursday, 29 October 2026
For New Delhi, the current Panchang listing gives:
- Karwa Chauth: 29 October 2026
- Puja Muhurat: 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM
- Upavasa period: 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM
- Moonrise: 8:17 PM
These timings are location-specific and can vary slightly from one city to another.
For example, a Haryana location listed by Drik Panchang has a Moonrise of about 8:14 PM, demonstrating why a single nationwide Moonrise time should not be presented as universal.
For future years: Update this section with the relevant year’s date and city-specific Panchang timings rather than changing the entire article URL or creating a new page every year.
What is Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. It is also known as Karaka Chaturthi. The word Karwa or Karak refers to the earthen pot traditionally used during the ritual for offering Arghya to the Moon.
The traditional observance includes fasting during the day, worship in the evening and breaking the fast after the Moon is sighted and the customary rituals are completed.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
The festival is traditionally associated with marital well-being, devotion and prayers for the long life of the husband. Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha are among the deities traditionally worshipped during the observance.
Karwa Chauth is also associated with Sankashti Chaturthi, a fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Karwa Chauth Vrat Vidhi
The exact customs can differ according to family tradition and region, but a traditional observance generally includes:
- Taking the morning meal known as Sargi before beginning the fast.
- Observing the Karwa Chauth vrat during the day.
- Preparing for the evening Puja.
- Listening to or reciting the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha according to family tradition.
- Performing the evening worship with the Karwa and other Puja materials.
- Waiting for the Moonrise.
- Offering Arghya to the Moon according to the customary ritual.
- Completing the traditional ceremony and breaking the fast.
Karwa Chauth Sargi
Sargi is a traditional pre-fast meal associated with Karwa Chauth. In many families, it is prepared or given by the mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law.
The foods included in Sargi vary according to family and regional customs. Traditionally, it may include foods, fruits, sweets, dry fruits and other items that are eaten before the fast begins.
Karwa Chauth Puja Samagri
Commonly used Puja items may include:
- Karwa or Karak
- Diya
- Roli and Kumkum
- Akshat (rice)
- Flowers
- Dhoop and incense
- Kalash
- Water
- Sweets
- Fruits
- Puja Thali
- Sieve (Channi)
- Items required according to family tradition
The exact Puja Samagri can vary according to regional and family customs.
Karwa Chauth Puja
The evening Puja is traditionally performed during the prescribed Puja Muhurat. Women dress for the occasion, prepare the Puja Thali and participate in the customary worship and Katha.
The specific sequence of rituals can differ between communities, so readers should follow their family tradition or the guidance of their local priest where applicable.
Karwa Chauth Moon Sighting
Moonrise is one of the most important parts of the traditional Karwa Chauth observance.
After the Moon becomes visible, the customary ritual is performed using the Puja Thali and sieve (Channi), followed by the traditional offering of Arghya to the Moon. The fast is then completed according to family tradition.
Important: Moonrise is not identical throughout India. Always check the Moonrise time for your city rather than relying on a generic national time.
Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
The Karwa Chauth tradition includes several popular Vrat Katha traditions. One commonly told story is associated with Veeravati and her seven brothers.
If you publish the Katha on this page, present the version carefully and distinguish traditional narrative from historical documentation.
Karwa Chauth and Regional Traditions
Karwa Chauth is especially popular in North India, while related fasting traditions and names can differ across regions.
The festival may also be observed differently according to family customs, regional Panchang traditions and local practices. Therefore, readers should follow the customs traditionally observed in their family or region.
Karwa Chauth FAQs
When is Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is observed annually on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. The Gregorian date changes each year.
When is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth in 2026 falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
What time does Karwa Chauth Puja start?
The Puja Muhurat depends on the location. For New Delhi in 2026, the listed Muhurat is 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM.
What time will the Moon rise on Karwa Chauth?
Moonrise varies by location. For New Delhi in 2026, the listed Moonrise is 8:17 PM.
Why is Sargi eaten before Karwa Chauth fasting?
Sargi is the traditional pre-fast meal associated with the observance. Customs and the foods included can vary among families and regions.
Can Karwa Chauth timings differ by city?
Yes. Panchang timings, particularly Moonrise and the Puja Muhurat, can vary according to geographical location.
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