Kartik Krishna Chaturthi
Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is a fast kept by married women from sunrise until moonrise for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands, on the fourth day of the waning Moon in Kartik. It is especially beloved in North India.
2026
Thursday, 29 October 2026
2027
Monday, 18 October 2027
The day at a glance
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Significance
The day’s waterless fast, broken only at the sight of the Moon, is an expression of marital love and devotion. It has become one of the most cherished and visible women’s festivals.
How Karwa Chauth is observed
Women dress in finery and mehndi, gather to hear the Karwa Chauth katha through the day, and break the fast at night by viewing the Moon through a sieve, then the husband’s face, with water from his hands.
Puja Muhurat
The Karwa Chauth puja is done in the Sandhya / Pradosh period before moonrise; the fast is broken only after sighting the moon and offering arghya.
Timings for Ujjain
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FAQ
When is the Karwa Chauth fast broken?
The fast is broken at moonrise. The woman first sees the Moon, often through a sieve, then her husband, and takes water and food from his hand.
Who keeps Karwa Chauth?
Married women, for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands; in some families unmarried women keep it for a good match.
Is it kept without water?
Yes. Traditionally nirjala, from sunrise until the Moon is sighted at night.
Around the same season
Plan around Karwa Chauth
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