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क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
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क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
Kartik • Krishna Paksha • Chaturthi
The fasting vow observed by married women from sunrise until moonrise — for the longevity, health and prosperity of their husbands.
Date for this festival is not yet available. Please check back later.
Karva Chauth is among the most personal and emotional Hindu vrats — a wife's prayer through her own austerity for her husband's wellbeing. The 'karva' (clay pot) symbolises the earthen vessel of married life that must be filled with patience and devotion. Modern Karva Chauth has expanded — many husbands now also fast in solidarity, and unmarried women observe it for a desired life partner.
The Karva Chauth katha tells of Veervati, the only sister of seven loving brothers. On her first Karva Chauth as a young bride, she fainted from hunger before moonrise. Her brothers, unable to bear her suffering, lit a fire and a mirror behind a peepal tree to mimic the moon — Veervati broke her fast and her husband died instantly. Through years of austerity she pleased Parvati, who restored her husband. Since then, no false moon may be shown — only the actual moon, sighted through a sieve, breaks the vow.
Presiding Deity:Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha, Chandra (Moon)
Sargi: the mother-in-law sends a pre-dawn meal (sargi) before sunrise — fenia, dry fruits, mathri, juice, milk, sweets. Eat and drink water before sunrise.
Observe complete Nirjala vrat from sunrise to moonrise — no food, no water. Wear bridal-style clothes, mehendi, full shringar.
Evening: gather with other women for the Karva Chauth katha. Listen to the Veervati story. Pass karvas in a circle 7 times.
Worship Shiva-Parvati-Kartikeya-Ganesha. Offer karva (water-filled pot), sweets, fruits, jewellery items.
After moonrise: sight the moon through a sieve (chalni), then through it look at the husband's face. Break fast with water from his hand.
Husband feeds the wife the first morsel and sip — completing the symbolic restoration of energy.
Touch the feet of elders, exchange gifts (Baya) between sisters-in-law and the mother-in-law.
When is Karva Chauth in 2026?
Karva Chauth in 2026 falls on TBA — Kartik Krishna Chaturthi. Moonrise is the breaking moment, so the exact time depends on your city.
Can pregnant women keep the Karva Chauth Nirjala fast?
Shastras explicitly exempt pregnant, nursing, ill, and elderly women. Phalahari (fruit-only) or even sankalpa (intent + light meal) is acceptable — the bhavana (devotion) matters more than the form. Consult your doctor.
Why is the moon viewed through a sieve?
The chalni symbolises filtering out illusion — Veervati was deceived by a false moon. The sieve ensures only the real moon is sighted. Looking at the husband's face through the same sieve filters the world's distractions, leaving only the marital bond.
Is Karva Chauth observed in South India?
Traditionally Karva Chauth is a North Indian festival (Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, MP, Delhi). South Indian states have analogous vrats — Tamil Nadu's Sumangali Pooja, Andhra's Atla Tadde, Karnataka's Karadayan Nombu — same intent, different forms. Modern urbanisation has spread Karva Chauth pan-India.
What if I cannot see the moon due to clouds?
Wait for at least 30-60 minutes past moonrise time. If still not visible, face the direction the moon should be in, mentally visualise it with offering of arghya, and break the fast. The sankalpa with sincere bhavana is what counts.
Dhanteras
Day 1 of Diwali — the worship of Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari for wealth, health and prosperity.
Diwali (Deepavali)
The festival of lights — celebrating the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Krishna Janmashtami
The midnight birth of Lord Krishna in the prison of Mathura — celebrated with bhajan, dahi-handi and Nishita puja.
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This page updates automatically every year.