Karwa Chauth 2026: Exact Date, Puja Muhurat, City-Wise Moonrise Timings, Vidhi And Vrat Katha

Karwachauth is the most celebrated Hindu festival that falls on Kartika Krishna Chaturthi, the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik. This year, the festival will be observed on 29th October, 2026.

According to the panchang, the Chaturthi tithi begins at 1:06 AM on October 29 and ends at 10:09 PM on the same day.

On this day, married women observe a nirjala fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the long life, health and prosperity of their husbands.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Date, Tithi And Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings of Karwa Chauth are:

City-Wise Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Timings

The Moon plays an important role in Karwa Chauth because after its worship, only then is the fast broken.

Moonrise timing shifts by longitude, so the exact moment you can break your fast depends on your city. Here are estimated moonrise times for major cities:

Essential Karwa Chauth Rules You Must Follow

Here are some of the important rules that need to be followed during Karwa Chauth:

1. Sargi Ritual: The sargi is a special meal that is traditionally prepared by the mother-in-law and given to the daughter-in-law before sunrise on Karwa Chauth.

This traditional meal usually includes dry fruits, sweets, and hydrating items. This meal should be consumed during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise).

2. Nirjala Sankalp: No food or water should be consumed after sunrise until the moon is sighted and worshipped.

3. Solah Shringar: On this day, wear traditional red or yellow attire. Avoid dark colours like black or deep blue, or even refrain from wearing white during the puja.

4. Break The Fast After Worshipping Moon: The fast should be broken after worshipping the Moon by the hands of the husband by offering the first sip of water and a bite of food to the wife.

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Step-By-Step Puja Vidhi Of Karwa Chauth

Here is the step-by-step guide for observing Karwa Chauth for all married women, first-time observers and newlyweds:

Step 1: Wake up before sunrise, take a bath, eat the Sargi prepared by your mother-in-law, and take a vow to observe the fast with devotion for your spouse's long, healthy life.

Step 2: In the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, dress up in traditional red, maroon, or yellow attire and perform Solah Shringar.

Step 3: Clean the puja area after dressing up. Place an image or idol of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.

Step 4: Prepare the Karwa (pot) by filling it with water or grain, and marking it with a Swastika using roli.

Step 5: Sit facing east or north and recite or listen to the Karwa Chauth vrat katha in a group or individually.

Step 6: Offer prayers to Maa Gaura and perform the aarti while chanting traditional hymns.

Step 7: When the moon rises, view it through a sieve while placing a lit diya at its centre.

Step 8: Offer Arghya (water) to the moon god using the Karwa (lota).

Step 9: Using the same sieve, after looking at the moon, shift the focus towards your husband and look at him through the sieve.

Step 10: Then break the fast with your husband's hand, who will offer you the first sip of water and a sweet.

On this day, wear traditional red or yellow attire (Image: Pexels)

Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha

The Karwa Chauth Katha revolves around Queen Veeravati, the only sister among seven brothers. On reaching marriageable age, Veeravati was married. After her marriage, in the Kartik month, she observed her first Karwa Chauth.

As the evening approached, her body grew weak, and she fainted due to hunger and dehydration. Unable to bear her suffering, her brothers tricked her by creating a fake moon using a lamp behind a tree.

Queen Veeravati, unknown to this broke her fast by looking at the fake moon, resulting in the sudden death of her husband, the King.

Realising her mistake, Queen Veeravati observed the strict fast with absolute devotion for a full year.

Pleased by her penance, Yama (the God of Death) restored her husband's life. Since then, women observe the Nirjala fast with absolute dedication for their husband's long and healthy life.

ALSO READ: Karwa Chauth 2026: Why Women Look At The Moon Through A Sieve?

Though Karwa Chauth traditionally began as a prayer for a husband's long, healthy life, it has evolved into a beautiful way to celebrate equal partnership and a deep bond between a couple.

FAQs

1. What should be eaten in Sargi for Karwa Chauth?

Sargi should consist of slow-digesting complex carbs, fresh fruits, nuts, milk, and sweets to keep you hydrated and energised throughout the day. Avoid extremely salty or fried foods as they induce thirst

2. What if the moon is not visible due to clouds?

If clouds cover the moon, rituals can be performed by looking in the direction of the moon's position according to the Panchang time, offering Arghya toward the sky, or worshipping the moon adorned on Lord Shiva's head