Karwa Chauth
Sacred Hindu fasting festival observed by married women praying for the longevity, health, and prosperity of their husbands.
Auspicious Muhurat & Puja Timings
India•29 October 2026
Arghya is offered to the Moon upon moonrise to conclude the Karwa Chauth Nirjala fast.
Key Observance Timings
Vrat is concluded and Arghya is offered to the Moon upon moonrise
Auspicious evening period for Karwa Chauth Katha & Puja
Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues
Karwa Chauth (also known as Karak Chaturthi) is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of Kartika month. On this day, married women observe a strict, waterless (Nirjala) fast from sunrise until moonrise, praying for the longevity, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands. Before dawn, mothers-in-law present their daughters-in-law with 'Sargi' (a nutritious pre-dawn meal of fruits, dry fruits, sweets, and feni). In the late afternoon, women dress in vibrant red bridal attire, apply intricate henna (Mehendi), and sit in circles for the Karwa Chauth Vrata Katha and 'Thali Batana' ritual. At moonrise, women view the radiant moon through a sieve (Chhalni) and then look at their husband's face, offering Arghya from an earthen pot (Karwa) before breaking their fast.
Karwa Chauth celebrates marital fidelity, mutual devotion, and the strength of feminine resolve (Pativrata Dharma): 1. Bond of Love & Devotion: Reaffirms mutual respect, affection, and commitment in marital partnership. 2. Shiva-Parvati Grace: Worshipping Goddess Parvati (Gauri Mata) ensures enduring marital auspiciousness (Akhand Saubhagya). 3. Chandra Darshan & Arghya: The cool, nectarous rays of the moon calm internal heat and bestow mental peace.
Sacred Story & Divine Lore
Scriptural history and divine legends in sacred lore
"Queen Veeravati fell unconscious from fasting, and her brothers tricked her with a mirror fire moon. Her husband fell ill, but when she completed the true fast with devotion to Gauri, he was miraculously revived."
Key Rituals & Observance
Step-by-step sacred rituals and worship practices
Pre-dawn consumption of Sargi before sunrise (around 4:30 AM).
Commencing the Nirjala (waterless) fast at sunrise.
Wearing red/pink bridal clothing, solah shringar, and applying mehendi.
Evening group Vrata Katha and rotating the Puja Thali (Thali Batana).
Viewing the moon and husband through a sieve (Chhalni) at moonrise.
Offering Arghya to the moon with milk, water, and unbroken rice from the Karwa.
Husband feeding water and sweet to break the fast, followed by touching elders' feet.
Sacred Deity & Powerful Mantras
Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya & Chandra Dev • Vedic and Puranic chants for peace and blessings
Gauri Puja Mantra (गौरी पूजन मंत्र)
ॐ सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके । शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Om Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye Shive Sarvartha-Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostu Te
Chandra Arghya Mantra (चन्द्र अर्घ्य मंत्र)
ॐ क्षीरपुत्राय विद्महे अमृतत्त्वाय धीमहि । तन्नो चन्द्रः प्रचोदयात् ॥ गगनामृतसम्पूर्ण शशाङ्क हरवल्लभ । गृहाणार्घ्यं मया दत्तं रोहिण्यासहितो मम ॥
Om Kshira-Putraya Vidmahe Amrita-Ttvaya Dhimahi, Tanno Chandrah Prachodayat
Regional Celebrations & Heritage
Diverse cultural and spiritual traditions across Bharat and worldwide
Mothers-in-law prepare pre-dawn Sargi. In the afternoon, women gather for the Vrata Katha and rotate decorated puja thalis. At moonrise, husbands offer the first sip of water to break the fast.
Women worship elaborately painted clay pots (Karwa) with 13 bindis of kumkum, exchanging them with sisters-in-law for blessings.
Traditional Bhog & Sacred Offerings
Sacred food offerings prepared with devotion