Karwa Chauth is considered one of the most significant fasts observed by married women in Hinduism. On this day, married women observe a *Nirjala* fast (a fast without water) to pray for their husbands' longevity, good health, and a happy marital life. According to tradition, women consume *Sargi* before sunrise, observe the fast throughout the day, and perform the Karwa Chauth *Puja* (worship) in the evening. The fast is broken at night after sighting the moon and offering *Arghya* (water offering) to it. Let us find out the date of Karwa Chauth in 2026 and the timings for the rituals and moonrise.
When is Karwa Chauth?
According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the Karwa Chauth fast is observed on the *Chaturthi Tithi* (fourth day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik. In 2026, this *Chaturthi Tithi* falls on October 29. The *Tithi* begins at 1:06 AM on the night of October 29 and concludes at 10:09 PM on the same day. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise date), the Karwa Chauth fast will be observed on Thursday, October 29, 2026. On this day, women will fast while praying for their husbands' longevity and the happiness and prosperity of their families.
Auspicious Time for Karwa Chauth Puja
Along with observing the fast, a ritualistic *Puja* is performed in the evening on Karwa Chauth. According to available *Panchang* calculations, the auspicious time for the Karwa Chauth *Puja* on October 29 is from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM. During this time, women worship *Karwa Mata* and listen to the *Vrat Katha* (the story associated with the fast). Traditional items such as the *Karwa* (earthen pot), *Deepak* (lamp), *Roli* (vermilion), *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), flowers, and other offerings are used during the worship.
Timing for Sargi on Karwa Chauth
The *Sargi* for Karwa Chauth is consumed before sunrise. It is customary to partake in this meal early in the morning, prior to the rising of the sun. For Sargi in 2026, the time between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM is considered suitable. However, the timing for Sargi may vary based on the local sunrise; therefore, it is advisable to observe Sargi while keeping the sunrise time of your specific city in mind. After partaking in Sargi, women take a vow to observe the fast and abstain from food and water for the entire day.
**Karwa Chauth Moonrise Time**
Sighting the moon holds special significance during the Karwa Chauth fast. Women wait for the moon to rise at night. The tradition involves breaking the fast after sighting the moon, offering *Arghya* (a ritual offering of water) to the Moon God, and drinking water from their husband's hands. According to the *Panchang* (almanac), the moon will rise at approximately 8:17 PM on October 29, 2026. However, the exact time of the moon's visibility may vary by a few minutes depending on the city and location.
**Auspicious Yogas Forming on Karwa Chauth**
According to astrological calculations, the moon will be positioned in the Taurus (*Vrishabha*) zodiac sign on Karwa Chauth this year. Additionally, *Gauri Yoga*, *Paridhi Yoga*, and *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* are expected to form on this day. In religious beliefs, such auspicious *Yogas* are considered favorable for worship and religious activities. However, the impact of these *Yogas* may vary depending on an individual's birth chart and local *Panchang* calculations.
**Religious Significance of Karwa Chauth**
Karwa Chauth is also mentioned in religious scriptures. In the *Narada Purana*, it is referred to as '*Karakakhyam Vratam*' (or the *Karak Vrat*). Chapter 113 of the first part (*Purvardha*) of the *Narada Purana* describes the fast and worship to be observed on the *Chaturthi Tithi* (fourth day) of the dark fortnight (*Krishna Paksha*) of the *Kartik* month. According to religious beliefs, Lord Ganesha and the Moon God are worshipped on this day. Married women observe this fast with the prayer for their husband's longevity and for happiness and peace in their marital life. Karwa Chauth is not limited merely to the observance of a fast; it is also viewed as a tradition rooted in love, trust, and prayers for the family's well-being. On this day, women traditionally adorn themselves in the *Solah Shringar* (sixteen forms of adornment), prepare for the rituals, and listen to the Karwa Chauth legend. The fast concludes in the evening after offering *Arghya* (a ritual offering of water) to the moon.
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