According to the traditional Hindu panchang, the auspicious fast of Karva Chauth falls on the day of Vakratunda Sankashti during the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. On this special occasion, married women observe a strict waterless fast to pray for the longevity and good health of their husbands. This ritual begins at sunrise and continues until moonrise at night. During the evening, worship is conducted following proper rituals during an auspicious muhurat, and the sacred story of the fast is listened to. Worshipping Karva Mata and the divine family of Lord Shiva is prescribed for this day, along with offering prayers to the Moon God at night.
According to traditions, once a woman begins observing this fast, she should continue performing it with full devotion every year. It is also worth noting that the Ahoi Ashtami fast is observed four days after Karva Chauth. To avoid any confusion regarding the date of the festival this year, understanding the exact calendar calculations and auspicious timings is essential.
Karva Chauth 2026: Exact Date and Timings
- Karva Chauth Date: October 29, 2026, Thursday
- Karva Chauth Puja Muhurat: 05:38 PM to 06:56 PM
- Karva Chauth Fasting Time: 06:31 AM to 08:17 PM
- Moonrise on Karva Chauth: 08:17 PM
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: October 29, 2026, at 01:06 AM
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: October 29, 2026, at 10:09 PM
Five Essential Rules of Karva Chauth Fasting
- Consumption of Sargi: The Karva Chauth fast begins early in the morning with the consumption of sargi, which is a vital part of the ritual. Sargi is usually given by the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law and is consumed before sunrise, roughly between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. The sargi plate primarily includes fresh fruits, sweets, dry fruits, vermicelli, feni, and coconut water.
- Waterless Fasting: This fast is observed entirely without water, meaning not a single drop of water is consumed from sunrise until offering Arghya to the moon at night. However, women who suffer from health issues should avoid keeping such a rigorous fast or refrain from fasting without drinking water.
- Sixteen Adornments: Women must perform solah shringar or the sixteen traditional adornments on the day of Karva Chauth. Wearing attire in red, pink, maroon, or yellow colors is considered extremely auspicious on this day.
- Listening to Karva Mata Katha: Hearing the story of Karva Chauth is mandatory, as the fast is considered incomplete without it. While listening to the narrative, one must hold grains of wheat or rice along with the karva in hand.
- Moon Sighting Through a Sieve and Drinking Water from Husband Hands: When the moon appears, women look at the moon through a sieve containing a lighted lamp and offer Arghya. Afterward, they look at their husbands through the same sieve. Finally, the fast is broken by drinking water and eating a piece of sweet offered by the husband.
