Karwa Chauth is an important Hindu festival observed by many married women for the long life, good health and well-being of their husbands. The day is marked by fasting, prayers, traditional rituals and the worship of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and the Moon.
In 2026, Karwa Chauth will be observed on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in India. The festival is an occasion for devotion, family traditions and prayers for a happy and prosperous married life.
When Is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the Hindu lunar month associated with Kartik, although the month name may differ between regional calendars.
- Festival: Karwa Chauth
- Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
- Tithi: Krishna Paksha Chaturthi
- Main rituals: Fasting, evening puja, listening to the vrat katha and offering arghya to the Moon
The exact puja muhurat and moonrise time depend on the location. Devotees should consult a reliable local Panchang for the timings applicable to their city.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is associated with marital devotion, prayer and the well-being of the family. Traditionally, many married women observe a fast and pray for their husbands' long lives and happiness. Some unmarried women also observe the vrat according to family or regional traditions.
The word Karwa refers to a traditional pot, often made of clay, which is used during the rituals. The pot is associated with the offerings and customs of the festival.
The observance varies among families and regions, but devotion, prayer and the evening worship of the Moon remain important elements of the celebration.
Karwa Chauth Puja Samagri
Prepare the puja items in advance so that the evening rituals can be performed comfortably.
Commonly used items include:
- Karwa or a small water pot
- A plate or puja thali
- Diya and cotton wicks
- Ghee or oil for the lamp
- Roli or kumkum
- Akshat, or unbroken rice grains
- Flowers
- Incense sticks
- Fruits and sweets
- Water for offering arghya to the Moon
- A sieve used in the traditional moon-sighting ritual
- A picture or idol of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha
- A copy of the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
The exact list may vary according to local customs and family traditions.
Sankalp (Vrat Pledge)
On the day of Karwa Chauth, women traditionally take a morning bath and make a sacred pledge, known as Sankalp, to observe the vrat for the well-being of their family and, according to tradition, the long life and prosperity of their husbands.
The Sankalp expresses the devotee's intention to observe the fast sincerely and complete it according to the family's customs. Traditionally, some women undertake a nirjala fast, without food or water, until the Moon is sighted. Fasting practices may vary, and people should consider their health when deciding how to observe the vrat.
The following Sanskrit mantra is traditionally associated with the Sankalp:
मम सुखसौभाग्य पुत्रपौत्रादि सुस्थिर श्री प्राप्तये करक चतुर्थी व्रतमहं करिष्ये।
Meaning: “I undertake the Karak Chaturthi vrat for the well-being and prosperity of my family, including my husband, children and grandchildren, and for lasting good fortune.”
Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi
According to traditional Hindu observance, the evening, or Sandhya, period after sunset is considered an appropriate time for Karwa Chauth Puja. The precise puja muhurat varies by location. Devotees should consult a reliable Panchang and check the timings for their city before beginning the rituals.
During the puja, Goddess Parvati is worshipped for marital well-being, good fortune and family prosperity. In some traditions, women draw images of Goddess Gaura and Chauth Mata on a wall, while others use a traditional Karwa Chauth puja calendar or an image of the Goddess.
Goddess Gaura and Chauth Mata are associated with Goddess Parvati in these customs.
Goddess Parvati Puja Mantra
Devotees may recite the following Sanskrit mantra during the worship of Goddess Parvati:
नमः शिवायै शर्वाण्यै सौभाग्यं संतति शुभाम्। प्रयच्छ भक्तियुक्तानां नारीणां हरवल्लभे॥
Meaning: “O Goddess Parvati, beloved consort of Lord Shiva, please bless your devoted worshippers with good fortune and auspicious family life.”
After worshipping Goddess Parvati, devotees may also offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha, following their family traditions.
Karwa Daan (Offering the Karwa)
In some traditional observances, the Karwa, or Karak, is offered as charity after the puja. It may be given to a Brahmin or an eligible married woman, depending on local and family customs.
Traditionally, the Karwa may be filled with water or milk, and coins or other auspicious offerings may be placed inside it.
The following Sanskrit mantra is associated with the offering of the Karwa:
करकं क्षीरसम्पूर्णा तोयपूर्णमथापि वा। ददामि रत्नसंयुक्तं चिरञ्जीवतु मे पतिः॥
Meaning: “I offer this Karwa, filled with milk or water and accompanied by auspicious offerings, with the prayer that my husband may enjoy a long life.”
The exact wording of mantras and the procedure for Karwa Daan can vary between traditional sources and regional customs. Devotees may follow the version used in their family or local tradition.
Karwa Chauth Vrat Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals
1. Sargi Before Sunrise
In many families, the day begins with Sargi, a pre-dawn meal traditionally prepared or given by the mother-in-law. It may include fruits, dry fruits, sweets and other foods.
Those observing the fast traditionally eat Sargi before sunrise, following their family customs and the timings applicable to their location.
2. Observe the Vrat
After the pre-dawn meal, devotees begin the fast. Traditionally, many women observe a nirjala vrat, abstaining from both food and water until the Moon is sighted.
Fasting practices differ, and individuals should consider their health and personal circumstances when deciding how to observe the vrat.
3. Prepare for the Evening Puja
In the evening, prepare the puja area and arrange the required samagri. Many women dress in traditional attire and decorate the puja thali.
Place the Karwa and other offerings in the designated area. Keep the vrat katha ready to read or listen to during the puja.
4. Worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha
Offer prayers to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha according to your family tradition.
Light a diya, offer flowers and kumkum, and pray for peace, happiness and well-being in married life. Devotees may also recite suitable mantras or sing devotional aartis.
The exact order of worship may differ by region and household custom.
5. Listen to or Read the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
Reading or listening to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha is an important part of the traditional observance.
Families may follow different versions of the story. The well-known story of Veeravati is commonly associated with Karwa Chauth and teaches lessons about devotion, faith and the observance of the vrat.
The katha is traditionally read during the puja, often with other women observing the fast.
6. Offer Arghya to the Moon
After the Moon rises, devotees traditionally offer water, known as arghya, to the Moon and pray for the well-being of their families.
In many communities, women look at the Moon through a sieve and then look at their husbands through it. The husband may offer water or a small amount of food to help the woman break her fast, according to their family tradition.
Moonrise varies by location, so check the local timing rather than relying on a time published for another city.
7. Break the Fast
After completing the traditional Moon worship and prayers, devotees break their fast according to their family customs. Many then share a meal with their families.
The festival concludes with prayers, blessings and time spent with loved ones.
Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
The story of Veeravati is one of the best-known traditional narratives associated with Karwa Chauth.
According to a popular version of the katha, Veeravati was a devoted woman who observed the fast for her husband's well-being. During the day, she became very weak because of fasting. Her brothers, concerned about her condition, created the appearance of a rising Moon so that she would break her fast early.
After she broke her fast, she received distressing news about her husband. In the traditional story, she prayed with deep devotion and sought divine blessings. Her devotion and sincere prayers ultimately led to her husband's recovery.
The story is told in different forms across traditions. Its central themes are devotion, faith, patience and the importance of observing religious customs with sincerity.
Devotees who follow a particular regional version of the katha may use that version during their puja.
Karwa Chauth Traditions Across India
Karwa Chauth is observed in different ways across India. In many North Indian communities, Sargi, evening gatherings, the vrat katha and moon-sighting rituals are central to the celebration.
Clothing, food, puja arrangements and the precise sequence of rituals can differ between regions and families. Some communities also follow their own customary stories and practices.
Following one's family tradition and consulting a local Panchang can help devotees prepare for the festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth will be observed on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in India.
2. What is the purpose of Karwa Chauth?
Traditionally, many married women observe the vrat and pray for their husbands' long lives, good health and the happiness of their families.
3. What items are needed for Karwa Chauth Puja?
Common items include a Karwa, water, a puja thali, diya, flowers, kumkum, rice grains, fruits, sweets and a sieve. Requirements vary by tradition.
4. When should the Karwa Chauth fast be broken?
In the traditional observance, the fast is broken after the Moon is sighted and the customary Moon worship and prayers are completed. Follow your local Panchang and family tradition.
5. Is the Karwa Chauth puja muhurat the same everywhere?
No. Puja timings and moonrise vary by location. Check a reliable Panchang for your city.
6. Can unmarried women observe Karwa Chauth?
Some unmarried women observe the vrat according to their personal beliefs or family customs. Practices differ among communities.
Continue Your Devotion
To deepen your worship on this day, you may also like to read or chant:
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth is a festival of devotion, prayer and family traditions. The observance brings together fasting, puja, the recitation of the vrat katha and prayers to the Moon.
As Karwa Chauth 2026 approaches, devotees can prepare their puja samagri in advance and confirm the local puja muhurat and moonrise time. Observing the festival with understanding, sincerity and respect for family traditions is at the heart of the celebration.