Himachal Pradesh is immersed in the festive spirit of Karwa Chauth. Cities like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Solan, and Mandi are witnessing vibrant markets filled with shoppers. Married women are keeping strict fasts, praying for the long life, robust health, and overall prosperity of their husbands. Despite the festive fervor, inclement weather and morning rains in parts of the state might cause a brief delay in catching a glimpse of the moon by evening.
Bustling Markets and Festive Preparations
In Shimla, women were seen actively engaged in shopping for traditional attire, cosmetics, and worship materials. Long queues formed outside mehendi application stalls across various commercial hubs. Along with local residents, tourists visiting Shimla also joined in the celebrations, adding to the lively atmosphere. The surge in market activity has brought immense cheer to local traders and businesses.
Auspicious Muhurat and Rituals
Karwa Chauth puja is traditionally performed during the pradosh kaal after sunset. This year, devotees have a precise and auspicious window of 1 hour and 17 minutes for the rituals. The puja will take place between 05:38 PM and 06:56 PM. Women observe this fast to celebrate mutual trust, love, and dedication in their marriages. The rituals involve consuming sargi in the early hours, listening to the traditional Vrat Katha, and concluding the fast only after offering prayers to the moon.
District-Wise Moonrise Timings
Moonrise timings vary slightly across different districts of Himachal Pradesh. The historic Ridge in Shimla remains a major gathering spot where women from Sanjauli, Vikas Nagar, and nearby areas assemble, as the moon becomes visible there shortly after Jakhoo Temple. The moon will rise in Shimla at 08:04 PM. Solan and Nahan in Sirmaur district will witness the moon at 08:05 PM. In Una, the moon is expected at 08:07 PM, while Dharamshala will see it at 08:08 PM. Meanwhile, Bhuntar in Kullu and Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti will experience moonrise at 08:02 PM.
Tithi Details and Special Hospitality Perks
The Chaturthi tithi began on October 28 at 01:06 AM and remains active until October 29 at 10:10 PM. The designated window for consuming sargi was between 03:30 AM and 05:30 AM. Adding to the celebrations, the Himachal Tourism department is offering a special 10 percent discount to guests staying at its hotels across the region.
Official Holiday and Leadership Messages
In a notable decision, the state government declared an official holiday for Karwa Chauth. While earlier leaves were restricted to women employees, the government has extended it to male employees as well, resulting in closed schools, colleges, and government offices. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended his warm greetings to the people of the state, emphasizing that the festival reflects the rich cultural heritage and family values of Indian society. Governor Kavinder Gupta also conveyed his best wishes, praying for peace, harmony, and prosperity in every household.
