Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth is one of the most emotionally intense vrats in the Hindu calendar — a nirjala (waterless) fast observed by married women from sunrise until moonrise for their husband's long life and well-being. The vrat is preceded by pre-dawn Sargi (light meal blessed by mother-in-law) and completed only after sighting the moon, offering arghya, then seeing the husband's face through a sieve. The day is celebrated with group pujas, exchange of karvas (decorated earthen pots), henna application, and elaborate festivities among women.

📅 Upcoming dates

Thursday, 29 October 2026
Monday, 18 October 2027

Dates are worked out from the panchang for New Delhi (IST). A tithi ends at a different hour elsewhere, so in some years the day differs by one.

🔔 Puja Vidhi

Pre-dawn: consume Sargi (light satvik meal) blessed by mother-in-law before 4am
Complete nirjala (waterless) fast through the day
Evening: group puja with other married women; narrate Karva Chauth Katha
Offer 108 durva to Karva Mata; light 108 diyas
After moon-sighting, offer arghya (water) to Chandra
Look at moon through sieve, then at husband through same sieve
Husband gives first sip of water to break fast

📜 Rules

Nirjala fast is mandatory — no water, no food from sunrise to moonrise
Sargi eaten before 4am is customary
Group narration of katha strengthens the vrat
Red or pink attire, henna, and complete solah shringar

Read the full vrat katha

📖 Open the katha in the Devotional Library

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if the moon is not visible?

The vrat is broken after moonrise time per panchang, even if clouds hide the moon. Look at the sky in the correct direction; the intention completes the ritual.

Can unmarried women observe Karva Chauth?

Traditionally no — the vrat is specifically for married women. Unmarried women who wish to observe often replace Karva Chauth with Solah Somvar Vrat.