Karwa Chauth is a significant festival celebrated by married Hindu women, dedicated to the long life and well-being of their husbands. The festival is marked by a day-long fast, where women abstain from food and water from sunrise until they see the moonrise in the evening. This year, Karwa Chauth falls on October 20, 2024, a Sunday, as per the Drik Panchang, and is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Kartik.This article covers the moonrise times across major Indian cities and a detailed guide to breaking the Karwa Chauth fast.
Karwa Chauth 2024 Moon Timing City Wise
Karwa Chauth is celebrated uniformly throughout India on the same date. The Chaturthi Tithi starts at 6:46 AM on October 20, 2024, and ends at 4:16 AM on October 21, 2024. On this auspicious day, married women begin their fast before sunrise and continue until they catch sight of the moon in the evening.
Moonrise Times for Karwa Chauth 2024 in prominent cities
Moonrise timings vary across cities due to geographical differences. Below are the moonrise times for some major cities in India:
| Kanpur | 7:47 PM |
| Dehradun | 7:46 PM |
| Jaipur | 8:05 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 8:28 PM |
| Kolkata | 7:24 PM |
| Mumbai | 8:37 PM |
| Bengaluru | 8:32 PM |
| Chennai | 8:20 PM |
| Hyderabad | 8:18 PM |
| New Delhi | 8:15 PM |
| Noida | 8:14 PM |
It is important for those observing the fast to be aware of the moonrise time in their respective locations, as it marks the conclusion of the fast and the time to perform the final rituals.
Step-by-Step Process to Break the Karwa Chauth Fast
The ritual of breaking the Karwa Chauth fast is as significant as the fast itself, involving prayers, offerings, and a specific sequence of steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide for those celebrating the festival:
1. Sargi Before Sunrise
The day begins early with a pre-dawn meal called Sargi. Mothers-in-law traditionally prepare this meal for their daughters-in-law, which includes fruits, sweets, and other nourishing items to sustain them throughout the day. The consumption of Sargi is done before Brahma Muhurat (the pre-dawn hours), after which the fast begins, with no food or water intake allowed until moonrise.
2. Day-Long Fasting and Prayer
After eating Sargi, women begin their day of fasting, which is accompanied by prayers for their husbands’ long life and prosperity.
Many women dress in traditional attire, often in shades of red, maroon, or pink, which are considered auspicious. They also adorn themselves with jewelry, bangles, and apply mehendi (henna) on their hands.
3. Karwa Chauth Puja in the Evening
In the evening, a Karwa Chauth Puja is performed with a group of women or at home with family. The puja involves offering prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. An earthen pot called Karwa is used, filled with water and covered with a lid, representing prosperity.
A story of Karwa Chauth, known as the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, is narrated, emphasizing the importance of faith, devotion, and the bond between husband and wife.
4. Awaiting Moonrise
After the puja, women eagerly wait for the moon to rise. During this time, they gather with their families on terraces or open areas where the moon is visible. Traditionally, women hold a sieve or chalni in their hands as they wait to sight the moon.
5. Viewing the Moon Through a Sieve
Once the moon rises, the rituals begin. Women view the moon through a sieve and then look at their husbands through the same sieve, symbolizing the filtering of negative energy and blessings for a long married life.
This act is accompanied by offering water to the moon (known as Arghya), which is poured through the sieve as a gesture of respect and devotion.
6. Breaking the Fast with Husband’s Blessings
After the moon rituals, the husband offers his wife the first sip of water and a bite of food, which marks the official breaking of the fast. Many couples then enjoy a small meal together, often including traditional sweets and foods prepared for the occasion.
7. Celebrating the End of the Fast
The conclusion of the fast is a joyous time, marked by families coming together to share a meal and celebrate. It is also a time for exchanging gifts and blessings between family members, especially between the husband and wife.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is more than just a fast; it is a celebration of the love, faith, and commitment between a married couple. The day serves as a reminder of the enduring bond shared by husband and wife, and the lengths to which one is willing to go for the well-being of their partner. While the tradition holds deep spiritual meaning, it has also evolved into a festival that strengthens familial ties and celebrates the cultural heritage of India.
With clear skies and well-timed moonrise predictions, Karwa Chauth 2024 promises to be a night of devotion and festivity, uniting families in the spirit of love and togetherness. Wishing everyone a Happy Karwa Chauth, filled with love, blessings, and joy!
See more: Karwa Chauth Moon Timing 2024: Check moonrise timing for different cities and puja muhurat