When Is Karwa Chauth in 2026? Date, Puja Muhurat and Moonrise Timings

The sight of the moon marks one of the most awaited moments of Karwa Chauth, bringing the day's prayers and rituals to a close. As families prepare for the festival on 29th October 2026, the puja muhurat and moonrise time become key parts of the day's plans. Since these timings vary from one city to another, here's a city-wise guide to help you find the relevant timings for Karwa Chauth and plan your celebrations accordingly.

When is Karwa Chauth 2026, Puja Muhurat and Fasting Timings

Knowing the puja muhurat and moonrise timing helps families plan their day. For Karwa Chauth, the evening puja takes place before moonrise, and families usually break the fast afterward.

According to the Amanta calendar, this festival is also followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Southern India during the Ashwin month. Compared to the South Indian states, this festival is much more popular in North India.

Indians settled worldwide whose families follow Karwa Chauth would also celebrate this festival with all the details on this date. The date and time for this celebration remain the same worldwide.

Karwa Chauth 2026 City-Wise Puja Muhurat and Moonrise Timings

Note: These timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST). Moonrise and puja timings vary by location. Readers should check their local Panchang for the timings applicable to their city. Actual moon visibility may also depend on weather and local surroundings.

Astrological Significance of Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waning lunar phase in the Hindu month corresponding to the festival. The word 'Karwa' derives from the earthen pot used in traditional rituals, while 'Chauth' means the fourth day. Hindu religious practices hold that women worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, along with other gods like Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, to pray for their husbands' health, prosperity, and longevity. The moon also plays an important role in evening rituals, when women pray before breaking their fast at moonrise.

Why Is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?

Karwa Chauth is traditionally celebrated by married Hindu women as a way to pray for the safety, prosperity, and long life of their husbands. It symbolises devotion and commitment towards one's spouse, marriage, and family. Before the fast, women apply mehendi, dress up, and join their families or close friends for an evening puja.

The celebrations also bring families closer through practices like making Sargi, giving gifts, and listening to the Karva Chauth Vrat Katha. Although practices vary by family, the day remains an integral part of the festival for many communities, especially in North India.

How Is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?

Karwa Chauth rituals begin before sunrise and continue until the moon is visible in the evening. Families may follow slightly different customs depending on their region and traditions, but the following practices are commonly observed.

1. Eating Sargi Before Sunrise

Sargi is a pre-dawn meal that the mother-in-law traditionally prepares or arranges for her daughter-in-law. It may include fruits, dry fruits, sweets, and other foods that help her prepare for the day ahead. Women who observe the traditional fast eat Sargi before sunrise.

2. Preparing for the Evening Puja

Women commonly apply mehendi, dress in their best, and prepare their puja thali during the day. Traditional items include a karwa, diya, sweets, rice, kumkum, and a sieve.

3. Performing the Karwa Chauth Puja

The evening puja is done during the specified muhurat. Women pray to Goddess Parvati and other deities, listen to Vrat Katha, and pray for their husbands' well-being. In several communities, women gather and exchange their puja thalis.

4. Sighting the Moon and Breaking the Fast

As soon as the moon rises, the ladies pay their respects by offering water and traditional prayers. In most cases, they look at the moon and their husbands' faces through a sieve, after which they break their fast.

Which Communities Celebrate Karwa Chauth?

Karwa Chauth is especially popular in North India, though it isn't limited to one region. Customs can differ from one community or family to another.

• Punjab: Sargi, festive clothing, mehendi, and group puja gatherings are important parts of the celebration in many Punjabi households.
• Haryana: Women traditionally observe the fast, listen to the Vrat Katha, and gather for evening prayers.
• Rajasthan: The festival is marked by traditional attire, jewellery, and family rituals, with some communities following distinctive customs.
• Uttar Pradesh: Puja, fasting, and moon-sighting rituals form an important part of the observance in many households.
• Delhi and neighbouring regions: Women often celebrate together with relatives and friends, sharing traditional food, festive preparations, and prayers.
• Other parts of India: Families in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other regions may also observe the festival, following the calendar conventions and customs prevalent in their communities.

What Are the Essential Items for Karwa Chauth Puja?

Preparing the puja items in advance makes it easier to complete the evening rituals without rushing. Although the list differs between households, these are some commonly used items:

• Karwa: A small pot, traditionally made of clay, used during the puja.
• Diya and cotton wicks: Used for lighting the ceremonial lamp.
• Kumkum, roli, and rice: Used in customary worship and rituals.
• Sweets and fruits: Included in many families' puja preparations.
• Channi or sieve: Traditionally used during the moon-sighting ritual.
• Puja thali: A plate used to arrange the ritual essentials.
• Water: Used for the customary offering to the moon.

Dates for Karwa Chauth for the Next 5 Years

Karwa Chauth falls on a different date each year, following the Hindu lunar calendar. If you're planning upcoming celebrations, checking the dates in advance helps you prepare for the fast, arrange puja essentials, and make time for family traditions. Here's a look at the dates and days on which Karwa Chauth will be observed over the next five years.

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Dates for Karwa Chauth for Next 5 Years