The festive spirit of Karva Chauth in Haryana met with challenging weather conditions as overcast skies and rain disrupted moon sightings across multiple districts. In Faridabad, even past 9:00 PM, the moon remained hidden behind clouds, leaving women waiting anxiously on rooftops for their traditional prayer rituals. Intermittent light drizzles accompanied the chilly winds, adding to the brisk weather.
Moonrise Timings Across Districts
The expected moonrise timings varied across key districts in the state. Calculations indicated the moon would appear at 8:23 PM in Gurugram, 8:18 PM in Karnal, 8:22 PM in Faridabad, 8:23 PM in Rohtak, 8:22 PM in Sonipat, and 8:26 PM in Hisar. However, atmospheric disruptions delayed visibility in several localities, keeping observers waiting longer than anticipated.
Cloud Cover in Ambala and Kurukshetra
In Ambala, although direct rainfall was absent, heavy cloud cover blocked the view of the moon entirely. Similarly, weather patterns shifted abruptly in Kurukshetra, where thick clouds delayed the sighting while light drizzling affected parts of the district. The drop in temperature and gusty winds made residents feel an early onset of winter chill.
Vibrant Markets Amidst Weather Glitches
Despite the gloomy weather, local markets buzzed with festive enthusiasm. In Karnal and Gohana, bustling crowds filled the shopping districts as women purchased new attire, bangles, and cosmetic items. Beauty parlors and henna application stalls experienced heavy footfall. Traditional glass and metal bangles in modern designs drew immense attention from shoppers matching their festive outfits.
Meteorological Warnings and Puja Guidelines
The state experienced the residual effects of cyclonic storm Arnab, prompting the meteorological department to issue orange and yellow alerts from October 29 to October 31. Chandigarh and Panchkula witnessed early morning showers followed by persistent thunderous clouds. According to priests, if heavy clouds prevent direct moon visibility, observers can break their fast by following the precise moonrise timing listed in the Panchang and meditating upon the crescent moon adorning Lord Shiva's forehead. The auspicious window for performing the evening puja was slated between 5:38 PM and 6:56 PM.
Traffic Management in Panchkula
To handle the festive rush, Panchkula police deployed personnel across major marketplaces. The Station House Officer of Sector 7 and local teams diverted traffic away from congested zones, ensuring pedestrian safety while issuing online challans for traffic violations.
