Karva Chauth 2026

Karva Chauth falls on October 29, 2026. The date is determined by the Kartik Krishna Chaturthi tithi, which must be active during the moonrise. Because the fast is broken at night, the planetary alignment during the evening is crucial. You can check the exact tithi timings for your specific city in the live table above.

The evening puja is generally performed after sunset, before the Moon rises. The exact muhurat depends on your local sunset time, which is displayed in the live astronomical engine above. It is best to finish the katha and preparations well before the Moon appears. This ensures you are ready when it is time to break the fast.

The festival is on October 29, 2026. The calculation relies on the vyapti test, ensuring that the Chaturthi tithi pervades the moonrise kaal on that specific day. Because the fast breaks at moonrise, the tithi must be running when the Moon is sighted. We use the Swiss Ephemeris to calculate this exactly for your location.

Sargi is traditionally a nourishing meal eaten before sunrise, often prepared and given by the mother-in-law. It usually includes fresh fruits, dry fruits, traditional sweets, and light vegetarian food to sustain you through the day. It is vital to finish eating this meal before the sun comes up. Make sure to check the sunrise time listed above for your city.

Traditionally, the fast is strictly waterless from dawn to moonrise. However, if you have medical conditions, this rule can be adapted. Always prioritize your physical health and consult a doctor if you are unsure about fasting without water. The observance is meant to be a devotion, not a danger to your well-being.

Tradition allows pregnant women to observe a modified fast, often permitting water, milk, or fruits. A strict waterless fast is highly demanding on the body and can pose risks. You must consult your doctor before attempting any form of fasting during pregnancy. Health and safety always take precedence over strict traditional rules.

You will need a Karwa pot filled with water, a sieve chalni, red sindoor, and the 16 shringaar items. Henna for your hands is also considered essential and is applied the night before. If you cannot find a traditional clay pot, a clean steel or brass vessel is traditionally accepted as a substitute.

Viewing the Moon through a sieve is a core tradition that filters the cooling rays of the Moon. It represents a moment of focused devotion and respect for the ruling planet of the day. After viewing the Moon, you look at your husband through the same sieve. This act is traditionally believed to filter out negativity and bless the marriage.

The katha tells the story of Veeravati, whose devotion and endurance saved her husband's life. Reading or listening to it is a vital part of the evening puja. It serves to remind practitioners of the patience and faith required in marriage. Reciting it together also brings a sense of peace to the household.

Once you have offered water to the Moon and taken your first sip, you can eat a full, normal meal. Families traditionally prepare a festive vegetarian dinner without onion or garlic. It is best to start with something light and hydrating to gently wake up your digestion. Avoid heavy, fried foods immediately after a waterless fast.

While the day is highly auspicious for marital matters, it is primarily a day of fasting and internal reflection. Starting major new business ventures is traditionally deferred to a more active muhurat. Focus instead on the puja, your household, and maintaining a peaceful state of mind. The physical demands of the fast also make heavy work difficult.

Most women complete their shopping for shringaar, clothes, and puja samagri in the days leading up to the festival. Shopping on the day itself is fine, but it can be physically exhausting while on a waterless fast. It is traditionally better to rest and conserve your energy. Spend the day in quiet preparation instead.

You should chant the lunar mantra: ॐ सोम सोमाय नमः चन्द्राय नमः. This honors the Moon, which is the ruling planet of the festival. Chanting it 108 times helps calm the mind and aligns your energy with the Moon's cooling presence. It is best done in the evening before the Moon appears.

It is a common tradition to donate a portion of the sargi, sweets, or shringaar items to a temple or to married women. Giving away red clothing or bangles is also considered highly auspicious. This act of charity traditionally multiplies the blessings of the fast. It is usually done the day after the fast is completed.

The Moon rises at different times depending on your geographical location. You must wait for the Moon to rise in your specific city, not when it is seen on television or in another state. Please refer to the live timing table above for your exact local moonrise. Breaking the fast early leaves the observance incomplete.

North India follows the Purnimanta calendar, calling this month Kartik, while South and West India follow the Amanta calendar, calling it Ashwin. Despite the different month names, the day, the tithi, and the observance are exactly the same. The planetary reality does not change. You observe the fast on the exact same date regardless of the calendar name.

Yes, many women observe the fast even if their husband is traveling or living elsewhere. You can view the Moon, offer water, and then look at a photograph of your husband or connect with him via video call. The devotion and intention remain fully intact. The physical distance does not diminish the traditional significance of the fast.

If you accidentally eat or drink something, tradition suggests that you simply ask for forgiveness from Maa Karwa and continue the rest of the day with devotion. The observance is considered incomplete, but intentional devotion matters most. Do not panic or abandon the puja entirely. Simply finish the day's rituals as planned.

Black and white are traditionally associated with mourning or asceticism in many Indian customs. Karva Chauth is a celebration of marriage, vitality, and life, which is why red and maroon are worn. Wearing bright bridal colours honors the festive nature of the day. It is a time to embrace joy and marital auspiciousness.

While the fast is traditionally observed by women for their husbands, many modern couples choose to fast together. If a husband wishes to fast for his wife's health and long life, he follows the exact same waterless rules. The shared discipline can strengthen the marital bond. It is a beautiful way to show mutual devotion and support.