Karwa Chauth, a festival celebrated with immense devotion and excitement, holds great significance among married Hindu women. It will be celebrated on October 20, 2024, this year. Women observe a day-long fast, praying for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. This fast is unique as women refrain from eating or drinking anything from sunrise until they see the moonrise at night.
Karwa Chauth Date & Pooja Timings
Karva Chauth Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Karva Chauth Puja Muhurat – 06:04 PM to 07:16 PM
Moonrise for different cities for Karwa Chauth Pooja and Breaking the fast is given below:
| Place | Moonrise |
| Ahmedabad | 8:39 PM |
| Bengaluru | 8:29 PM |
| Chandigarh | 8:28 PM |
| Chennai | 8:29 PM |
| Hyderabad | 8:27 PM |
| Indore | 8:28 PM |
| Jaipur | 8:17 PM |
| Jammu | 8:09 PM |
| Kolkata | 7:35 PM |
| Lucknow | 7:58 PM |
| Mumbai | 8:46 PM |
| Nagpur | 8:18 PM |
| New Delhi | 8:07 PM |
| Patna | 7:44 PM |
| Surat | 8:44 PM |
Karwa Chauth Pooja: Do’s & Don’ts
In Hindu tradition, Karwa Chauth is one of the most important festivals for married women. On this day, women rise early, complete their daily tasks, and perform the Karwa Chauth puja by worshiping Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha according to the prescribed rituals. After the worship, they partake in a meal, known as Sargi, before sunrise.
The day starts with a brief prayer, followed by consuming Sargi, a meal that typically includes items like curry, parathas, coconut water, and dry fruits. This early meal, eaten after bathing, helps women sustain themselves throughout the day, as they refrain from consuming food and water until moonrise.
Once the sun is up, the fasting begins. Women avoid even a drop of water until the moon appears in the evening. At moonrise, they look at the moon and then at their husbands through a sieve, symbolically offering their prayers. After this, they break their fast. Women often dress in auspicious colors like red or yellow for the occasion.
It is advised that women avoid strenuous activities during the fast, and after breaking the fast, they should eat light food. Interestingly, each zodiac sign has slightly different ways of observing Karwa Chauth, adding unique personal touches to the celebration.
Story and Significance of Karwa Chauth
One of the most popular legends associated with Karwa Chauth is the story of Veervati, a queen who, in her first year of marriage, fasted for her husband’s well-being. Her brothers tricked her into breaking the fast early, which led to her husband’s death. However, through her prayers and devotion, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati granted her husband life again, symbolizing the power of love and sacrifice.
Another legend ties the festival to the Mahabharata, where Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, observed a similar fast for the safety of her husband, Arjuna. This act of devotion is believed to be the origin of the festival.
Karwa Chauth also has roots in agriculture, as it coincides with the wheat-sowing season, symbolizing prayers for a rich harvest. The term “Karwa” refers to an earthen pot used for storing wheat, which is also central to the festival.