29 अक्टूबर
Karva Chauth
A day-long waterless fast observed by married women for their husband's long life
See all Shiva content →History
Karva Chauth falls on the Krishna Chaturthi of the Kartik month, when married women observe a waterless fast from sunrise until moonrise for their husband's long life and marital happiness. The tradition is linked to the legend of Queen Veervati, who observed the fast to protect her husband. It is most widely observed in North India — particularly Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Significance
The fast concludes with an offering to the moon and viewing the husband's face through a sieve, after which the husband breaks the fast by offering his wife water. The ritual has come to symbolize marital devotion and mutual care.
Puja Vidhi
Begin the fast after eating "sargi" (a special pre-dawn meal given by the mother-in-law). Observe the waterless fast through the day, listen to or read the Karva Chauth katha in the evening, and break the fast at moonrise by viewing the moon and then the husband's face through a sieve.
Muhurat
The puja is typically performed in the evening, while breaking the fast depends on the exact local moonrise time, which varies by year and city — always check the local Panchang.
Check today's Panchang →Do's & Don'ts
✅ Do
- • Begin the fast with the sargi meal
- • Listen to the Shiva-Parvati and Karva Mata katha
- • Break the fast with a proper offering at moonrise
❌ Don't
- • Avoid food or water through the day unless medically advised otherwise
- • Avoid anger or negativity during the fast