Karwa Chauth is a highly revered and sacred festival in Hinduism, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by married women, especially in the northern and western regions of India. According to the Narada Purana, the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Kartik month is considered especially auspicious for worship. This tithi is known as Kark Chaturthi or Karwa Chauth, and the fast is observed exclusively by women. In the year 2025, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 10.
This festival is primarily observed for the long life, good health, and prosperity of one’s husband. It symbolizes the deep love and unwavering devotion of a wife, strengthening the sacred bond between husband and wife. On this day, women observe a nirjala fast from sunrise to moonrise — meaning they refrain from consuming both food and water throughout the day.
What is Karwa Chauth Festival?
Karwa Chauth is a special fasting festival observed by married Hindu women to pray for their husband’s longevity, well-being, and a blissful married life. It falls on the Chaturthi tithi (fourth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Women observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise and break their fast only after offering arghya (water offering) to the moon.
The term “Karwa” literally means a small earthen pot or pitcher, which is used during the puja rituals and traditionally was used for storing wheat or other grains. The word “Chauth” refers to the fourth day of the lunar fortnight.
Karwa Chauth 2025: Date & Timings
• Karwa Chauth Festival Date: October 10, 2025, Friday
• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: October 9, 2025, Thursday at 10:56 P.M
• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: October 10, 2025, Friday at 07:39 P.M
• Moonrise Time: October 10, 2025, Friday after 07:58 P.M
The Legend of Karwa Chauth
There are many popular stories associated with the festival of Karwa Chauth. Listening to or reading the story during the puja helps keep the mind focused and devoted. One such tale is about a merchant who had seven sons and one daughter. All of them were married. On the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, all the daughters-in-law of the merchant observed the Karwa Chauth fast. The newlywed daughter also observed the fast for the first time.
Though she endured hunger and thirst throughout the day, by evening she became extremely weak and eventually fainted. Her seven brothers were deeply affectionate towards her, and seeing her unconscious, they became very disturbed. The youngest brother, out of love for his sister, climbed a banyan tree, placed a lit lamp behind a sieve, and made it appear as if the moon had risen. All the brothers then told their sister that the moon had risen.
Trusting her brothers, the merchant’s daughter saw the lamp behind the sieve and mistook it for the moon. She offered Arghya (sacred water offering) to it and broke her fast by eating food. However, since her fast was broken before the actual moonrise, Lord Ganesha became displeased.
When she returned home, her husband suddenly fell seriously ill, and all the family’s wealth was spent on treatment. The household faced great hardship. She eventually realized that the reason behind all these problems was the premature breaking of her fast. Filled with remorse, she started worshipping Lord Ganesha with full devotion and followed all the proper rituals.
Pleased with her honest repentance and pure devotion, Lord Ganesha cured her husband and blessed the household with wealth and prosperity.
It is believed that any woman who observes this fast with complete sincerity and devotion, especially worshipping Lord Ganesha properly, is blessed with good health for her husband and enduring marital bliss. The fast is only considered complete when the moon is seen and Arghya is offered. Worshipping the moon on this day brings peace and harmony to the household.
Anushthan Performed on Karwa Chauth
On the day of Karwa Chauth, married women observe a strict nirjala (waterless) fast and perform various traditional rituals with devotion. The major rituals of the day include:
- Solah Shringar (Sixteen Adornments): The fasting women perform full traditional adornment which includes applying sindoor (vermilion), bindi, bangles, toe rings, kajal, etc. These adornments are symbolic of marital bliss.
- Worship of Karwa Mata and Goddess Gauri: During the day, women fill a clay or metal karwa (pot) with water, decorate it, and perform rituals dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Karwa Mata, and Lord Ganesha. They also listen to or narrate the story of Karwa Chauth.
- Listening to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha: In the afternoon or evening, women gather in groups to hear the traditional Karwa Chauth story, which highlights the significance of devotion and the protection of a woman’s marital bond.
- Offering Arghya to the Moon: After moonrise, women view the moon and their husband through a sieve and offer Arghya (sacred water) to the moon. They then sip water from their husband’s hands to formally break the fast.
- Praying for Husband’s Long Life: All rituals are performed with the heartfelt wish for the husband’s health, happiness, and longevity.
Benefits of Karwa Chauth
- Observing the Karwa Chauth fast blesses the husband with a long life and good health.
- This fast strengthens the bond of love and trust between husband and wife.
- Women are believed to receive eternal marital bliss (Akhand Saubhagya) by observing this vrat.
- Fasting without food or water throughout the day increases self-discipline and patience.
- This vrat deepens one’s religious faith and devotion.
- Offering Arghya to the moon brings mental peace and relieves stress.
- Worshiping Karwa Mata brings happiness and prosperity to the household.
- The fast helps in improving concentration and inner strength.
- It promotes positivity and spiritual energy among women.
- The puja performed on this day is believed to destroy sins.
- It reinforces a strong connection with Indian culture, traditions, and rituals.
Karva Chauth Puja Vidhi (Ritual Procedure)
A. Consumption of Sargi (Before Sunrise)
a. Consume the Sargi given by the mother-in-law before sunrise.
b. The Sargi includes fruits, sweets, dry fruits, light food, and liquids (like coconut water, lassi).
c. After eating the Sargi, the fasting woman observes a waterless fast (Nirjala Vrat) from sunrise to moonrise.
B. Nirjala Vrat (From Sunrise to Moonrise)
a. After Sargi, eating or drinking anything is strictly prohibited.
b. Observe the fast throughout the day with discipline, devotion, and faith.
C. Preparation for Evening Puja
a. Wear traditional attire (such as red, yellow, pink, etc.).
b. Adorn yourself with Solah Shringar (sixteen adornments) and apply mehndi (henna) on your hands.
c. Clean the place of worship and set up idols or pictures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Karva Mata on a wooden platform.
D. Prepare Puja Samagri (Worship Materials)
a. An earthen Karwa (filled with water or milk)
b. Diya (lamp), rice (Akshat), vermilion (Sindoor), flowers, sweets, turmeric, and Roli
c. Sieve (Chhalni), copper pot (Lota), holy Ganga water (Gangajal), incense sticks, camphor
d. Bangles, bindi, chunri, anklets, and Athavari Puris
e. Fruits, Indian plum (ber), kachar, Dakshina (offering), sacred thread (Mauli), and coin
E. Listening to the Karva Chauth Story
a. Women gather together to listen to the traditional Karva Chauth Vrat Katha.
b. Traditional songs are sung while rotating decorated thalis.
c. “Baya” (gifts) are offered to the mother-in-law.
F. Moon Sighting and Offering Arghya
a. Upon moonrise, first view the moon through a sieve.
b. Then, look at your husband’s face through the same sieve and offer Arghya (water) to the moon.
c. Pray for your husband’s long life, good health, and prosperity.
G. Breaking the Fast (Vrat Paran)
a. The husband lovingly offers water and sweets to break the fast, symbolizing love and mutual respect.
b. Afterwards, have a light and nutritious meal.
Karwa Chauth Ke Mantra Japa (Mantras for Karwa Chauth)
a) Puja Sankalp Mantra
Mantra: “Mam sukha-saubhagya-putra-pautradi susthira sri praptaye Karaka Chaturthi vratam aham karisye.”
Meaning: I observe the Karwa Chauth fast for the attainment of happiness, marital bliss, children, and lasting prosperity.
b) Chandra Arghya Mantra
Mantra: “Dehi me saubhagyam arogyam dehi me paramam sukham.”
Meaning: O Moon God! Please bless me with good fortune, health, and supreme happiness.
c) Karwa Dan Mantra
Mantra: “Karakam ksirasampurnam dadami ciranjivatu me patih.”
Meaning: I offer this karwa filled with milk, may my husband live a long life.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
The primary aim of Karwa Chauth is for married women to pray for the long life, good health, safety, and overall prosperity of their husbands. This fast strengthens the emotional and spiritual bond between husband and wife, deepening their mutual trust and respect. On this day, the wife expresses her unwavering love and commitment toward her husband through a day-long strict fast.
Traditionally observed by married women, the importance of this festival has evolved over time. Nowadays, even unmarried women observe the fast to seek a desirable life partner. This shows that the festival’s significance extends beyond marital status and embraces aspirations of future love and companionship.
Religious Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is a festival that symbolizes women empowerment and marital devotion, and it holds profound religious importance in Indian culture. It is not only observed for the longevity of the husband but also embodies spiritual austerity, devotion, discipline, and family values. This vrat is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is considered the deity of marital bliss and good fortune.
- On this day, the Moon is worshipped as it represents calmness and mental peace.
- Collective worship of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya brings stability and happiness in married life.
- The fast is observed without water (nirjala), with full devotion, discipline, and sincerity—making it a form of spiritual penance.
- It is kept to pray for the husband’s long life, well-being, and prosperity.
- The festival is also mentioned in ancient scriptures like Vrata Raj and Skanda Purana.
- The vrat story and customs reflect female dharma, sacrifice, and dedication.
- The ‘Sargi’ given by the mother-in-law and the group prayers strengthen family relationships.
- This vrat has become a symbol of inner strength, patience, and faith for women.
- Karwa Chauth also promotes social and familial unity, making it not just a personal observance but a collective cultural celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In which states is Karwa Chauth celebrated?
Karwa Chauth is mainly celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the northern states of India. It is prominently observed in the following states:
1. Punjab – Here, Karwa Chauth is celebrated with the most grandeur and is also considered a festival of the bond between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
2. Haryana – Women here perform group worship with special traditional attire and songs.
3. Rajasthan – In this state, customs like the ‘Dhaphi’ dialogue hold special significance during Karwa Chauth.
4. Uttar Pradesh – This fast is observed with strong tradition and religious devotion.
5. Delhi – In urban areas, this festival is celebrated both traditionally and in modern ways on a large scale.
6. Madhya Pradesh – Women here also observe this fast with special devotion and customs.
2. Why do we celebrate Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is a sacred fast observed by married women for their husband’s long life, good health, and happy married life. On this day, women observe a nirjala fast (without food or water) from sunrise till moonrise, and break their fast after offering arghya (water offering) to the moon. Karwa Chauth is not just a religious custom but also a symbol of love, trust, and devotion between husband and wife. This festival is a beautiful representation of our cultural heritage, family unity, and feminine strength.
3. What to do on Karwa Chauth?
1) Eat Sargi early morning before sunrise, which is given by the mother-in-law.
2) Observe a complete nirjala fast throughout the day.
3) Spend the day with purity and devotion.
4) In the evening, take a bath, do solah shringar, and wear traditional clothes.
5) Clean the place of worship and worship Lord Shiva’s family and Karwa Mata.
6) Listen to the Karwa Chauth story and perform thali rotation along with other women.
7) After moonrise, see the moon through a sieve, then look at your husband’s face.
8) Offer arghya to the moon and pray for your husband’s long life.
9) Break your fast by drinking water and eating sweets from your husband’s hand.
10) Have a light and nutritious meal at night.
4. How to perform Karwa Chauth at home?
1) Eat Sargi given by your mother-in-law before sunrise.
2) Observe a complete fast without food or water all day.
3) Bathe and wear traditional attire and adornments.
4) Place idols of Lord Shiva’s family and Karwa Mata on a decorated platform.
5) Gather items for worship like Karwa, lamp, flowers, roli, etc.
6) During the puja, listen to or read the Karwa Chauth story with devotion.
7) View the moon through a sieve, then look at your husband’s face.
8) Offer water to the moon using a lota and pray.
9) Break your fast by drinking water and eating sweets from your husband’s hand.
5. How to perform Karwa Chauth Puja?
Karwa Chauth Puja can be easily done at home by arranging necessary materials and following the correct method. Perform the steps below sequentially for a complete ritual:
1. Bathe in the evening and wear traditional attire.
2. Perform Solah Shringar (sixteen adornments).
3. Place idols of Lord Shiva’s family and Karwa Mata on a decorated wooden platform.
4. In the puja thali, place Karwa, diya, flowers, roli, rice, sindoor, Ganga water, fruits, sweets, lota, and a sieve.
5. Light the lamp and worship the idols with devotion.
6. Listen to or read the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha.
7. Rotate the thali during the puja and sing traditional songs.
8. View the moon through a sieve when it rises.
9. Offer water to the moon using a lota.
10.Look at your husband’s face through the sieve and pray.
11.Break your fast by taking water and sweets from your husband’s hand.
6. When will Karwa Chauth 2025 begin?
Karwa Chauth in 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, 10th October. The Chaturthi tithi begins on 9th October 2025 at 10:56 PM and ends on 10th October at 7:39 PM. Moonrise time is at 7:58 PM, which is considered the auspicious time to break the fast. The fasting period will be observed from 6:31 AM to 8:10 PM, during which women will observe nirjala fast for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands.
7. What should you avoid on Karwa Chauth?
1) Do not eat Sargi after sunrise, or your fast may be invalid.
2) Avoid anger, arguments, or harsh words during the fast or puja.
3) Do not lie or indulge in deceitful behavior while fasting.
4) Avoid gossiping or speaking ill of others.
5) Do not perform puja without bathing.
6) Do not break the fast before moonrise.
7) Never insult or disrespect elders, especially your mother-in-law.
8) Do not get distracted or act carelessly during worship.
9) Do not entertain doubtful or negative thoughts in your mind.
8. What to do on Karwa Chauth day?
1) Eat Sargi before sunrise.
2) Keep a nirjala fast for the entire day.
3) Maintain devotion and positivity throughout.
4) In the evening, bathe and wear traditional clothes.
5) Do Solah Shringar and prepare for worship.
6) Worship Shiva’s family and Karwa Mata with full devotion.
7) Read or listen attentively to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha.
8) Offer arghya to the moon and pray for your husband’s long life.
9) Break your fast with water and sweets from your husband’s hand.
10) After the fast, eat a light and nutritious meal.
9. Why is it called Karwa Chauth?
This fast is derived from two words — “Karwa” and “Chauth”. “Karwa” refers to a small earthen or brass pot used during the puja for offering water or milk, and “Chauth” means the fourth day. This fast is observed on the Chaturthi tithi of Krishna paksha in the month of Kartik, hence the name Karwa Chauth. The name reflects women’s devotion, the religious role of the Karwa (pot), and the spiritual importance of the Chaturthi tithi.
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