Karwa Chauth is one of the most widely observed fasts among married Hindu women in North India. From sunrise, or from the pre-dawn meal, until the moon is sighted at night, the observer does not eat or drink, and prays for the long life and well-being of her husband. This guide covers the 2026 date, the rituals in order, the fasting rules and what the day means.
Karwa Chauth 2026 date
In 2026, Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, 29 October. The chaturthi tithi of Kartik Krishna paksha runs from the early hours of 28 October to the late evening of 29 October. Because the fast is broken at moonrise, the day on which the moon is seen during the chaturthi is the day of the vrat, and that is 29 October.
The evening puja window is roughly from sunset (about 5:40 PM in Delhi) to around 7:00–7:30 PM. Moonrise in Delhi is expected at about 8:10–8:40 PM, depending on the calendar you follow, and it is later or earlier in other cities. These times are provisional. Please verify them against a local panchang or your temple’s calendar before the day.
What is Karwa Chauth?
The name comes from karwa, a small earthen pot of water used in the puja, and chauth, meaning the fourth day of the lunar fortnight. The fast is observed on the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik (Purnimanta calendar), a few days before Diwali.
It is traditionally kept by married women for the well-being of their husbands. Engaged women and, in many families today, husbands and unmarried people also keep it. Customs vary from region to region and family to family, so follow what your family does.
The day, step by step
1. Sargi before sunrise
The day begins before dawn with sargi, a meal that the mother-in-law traditionally sends or prepares for her daughter-in-law. It usually includes fruit, dry fruits, sweets such as feni or mathri, and something light like a paratha or sevaiyan. The meal is eaten before sunrise and then the fast starts.
2. The fast through the day
Traditionally the fast is nirjala, with no food and no water until the moon is seen. Women dress up, apply henna (mehndi) the day before or that morning, and many wear red or other bridal colours.
3. Evening puja and the katha
In the evening women gather, often in a circle, and perform the puja. Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha are worshipped along with the karwa. The thali is passed from one woman to the next seven times in a ritual called pheri, while the Karwa Chauth katha is told or read. Popular stories include those of Queen Veeravati and of Savitri. They differ in detail, but all are about devotion and keeping the fast faithfully.
4. Moon sighting and breaking the fast
After moonrise, the woman looks at the moon through a sieve (chhalni), then looks at her husband’s face through the same sieve. He offers her the first sip of water and the first bite of food, and the fast is over. A full meal usually follows.
What goes into the puja thali
A typical thali has a karwa with a lid and water, a diya, roli and rice (akshat), a sieve, flowers, incense, sweets and a picture of the deities. Items of shringar such as bangles, bindi and sindoor are also kept and are often gifted to elders of the family.
Rules and tips for observing the fast
- Follow your family tradition. Some families allow water or fruit, others do not.
- Do not skip sargi. A balanced pre-dawn meal makes the day easier.
- Avoid heavy exertion during the day and rest in the afternoon if you can.
- When breaking the fast, start with water and something light, then eat a proper meal slowly.
- Pregnant women, people with diabetes, blood pressure or other medical conditions, and anyone on medication should talk to a doctor first. The fast is a matter of belief, and health comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Karwa Chauth on 29 October 2026?
Yes, the vrat falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026, because the moon is sighted that evening during the chaturthi. Confirm moonrise for your city.
Can I drink water during Karwa Chauth?
The traditional fast is without water, but many people take water or fruit for health reasons. Do what suits your health and family tradition.
Can unmarried women keep Karwa Chauth?
Some do, praying for a suitable partner, though the festival is traditionally associated with married women. It is a matter of personal belief.
Related reading: Diwali, the festival of lights, Dhanteras explained, and in Hindi the festival list.
Religious beliefs and rituals described here are traditional and vary by region. Dates and timings are provisional; check a local panchang.
