When is Karwa Chauth in 2026? Date, Puja Muhurat, Moonrise Time & Celebration Guide
Karwa Chauth is one of the most loved festivals for married women in India. On this special day, wives traditionally observe a fast from sunrise until moonrise and pray for the long life, happiness, and well-being of their husbands. It is a festival associated with love, faith, devotion, and togetherness.
In 2026, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29. Women across India will prepare their puja thalis, apply mehndi, dress up in traditional outfits, participate in the evening puja, and wait eagerly for the moonrise to break their fast.
When is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth 2026 will be observed on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
According to the Delhi/New Delhi Panchang, the Karwa Chauth fasting period is approximately from 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM, while the puja muhurat is from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM. The moon is expected to rise at around 8:17 PM in Delhi.
On this day, married women traditionally observe a nirjala fast, meaning they do not eat or drink during the fasting period. The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the moon and completing the customary prayers and offerings.
Because moonrise varies from one city to another, it is important to check the local Panchang for the exact timing in your city.
Karwa Chauth 2026 Puja and Moonrise Timings
For Delhi/New Delhi, the key timings for Karwa Chauth 2026 are:
- Karwa Chauth Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Puja Muhurat: 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM
- Moonrise Time: Around 8:17 PM
- Fasting Time: Approximately 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM
- Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 1:06 AM on October 29
- Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 10:09 PM on October 29
Note: Puja and moonrise timings can differ by city. The timings above are for Delhi/New Delhi. Always check your local Panchang for the exact moonrise and puja timings.
Why is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?
Karwa Chauth is traditionally celebrated by married women to pray for their husband’s long life, health, happiness, and a prosperous married life.
The word “Karwa” refers to an earthen pot used during the rituals, while “Chauth” refers to the fourth lunar day. Karwa Chauth is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waning phase of the Moon.
The festival is traditionally associated with love, dedication, faith, and the bond between husband and wife.
Today, the festival is also celebrated by many couples as an occasion to express love and appreciation for one another. Some husbands also choose to fast alongside their wives.
The Story Behind Karwa Chauth
There are several traditional stories associated with Karwa Chauth. One of the most popular is the story of Queen Veeravati.
According to the traditional story, Veeravati was a devoted wife who observed a fast for her husband’s long life. As the day progressed, she became weak and struggled to continue the fast.
Her brothers, worried about her condition, created a false appearance of moonrise using a light or reflection and told her that the Moon had appeared. Believing them, Veeravati broke her fast.
Soon afterward, she learned that her husband had fallen seriously ill. Realizing that she had broken the fast before the actual moonrise, she prayed with devotion and observed the rituals again. According to the story, her prayers eventually helped restore her husband’s health.
The story is traditionally associated with faith, patience, devotion, and the importance of following the rituals of the fast.
How Women Celebrate Karwa Chauth
The celebration of Karwa Chauth usually begins before sunrise and continues until the moonrise. Here is how the day is traditionally observed:
1. Sargi – Early Morning Meal
Before sunrise, married women traditionally eat sargi, a pre-dawn meal often prepared or given by their mothers-in-law.
Sargi may include fruits, dry fruits, sweets, milk, parathas, and other foods. It is eaten before the fast begins and provides nourishment for the day ahead.
2. Fasting Begins
After eating sargi, women traditionally take a vow or sankalp to observe the Karwa Chauth fast.
The traditional fast continues until the Moon is sighted in the evening.
3. Getting Ready for the Puja
During the afternoon, women often dress in traditional sarees, suits, or lehengas. Red, pink, maroon, and other festive colours are popular choices.
Many women also apply mehndi, wear bangles and jewellery, and prepare their Karwa Chauth puja thali with items such as a diya, sindoor, sweets, flowers, incense, and a Karwa.
4. Evening Puja and Katha
In the evening, women gather for the Karwa Chauth puja and Katha.
Prayers are traditionally offered to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Kartikeya. Women listen to or recite the Karwa Chauth Katha and perform the customary rituals.
For Delhi in 2026, the main puja muhurat is from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM.
5. Moonrise and Breaking the Fast
The most-awaited moment of Karwa Chauth is the moonrise.
Women traditionally view the Moon through a sieve (channi) and offer water, known as arghya, to the Moon. They then look at their husband through the sieve as part of the traditional ritual.
The husband may then offer his wife water and food or sweets, marking the end of the fast.
In Delhi, the 2026 moonrise is expected at around 8:17 PM.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is more than a day of fasting. For many families, it is an opportunity to celebrate love, companionship, commitment, and family traditions.
The festival brings couples and families together through rituals, prayers, dressing up, exchanging gifts, preparing festive food, and spending time together.
In modern celebrations, some husbands also observe the fast alongside their wives as a gesture of companionship and equality.
Preparation Tips for Karwa Chauth 2026
Here are some simple ways to prepare for Karwa Chauth:
- Prepare sargi in advance with nourishing foods such as fruits, dry fruits, milk, and other filling items.
- Keep your puja thali ready before the evening.
- Arrange essentials such as a diya, sindoor, flowers, sweets, incense, Karwa, and sieve.
- Stay well hydrated and eat properly on the day before the fast.
- Check the local moonrise time for your city.
- Plan your puja according to your local Panchang.
- Choose comfortable traditional clothing so you can enjoy the celebrations.
- Keep your phone or camera ready to capture memorable moments with family.
- If you are observing a strict fast, consider your personal health needs and follow medical advice where applicable.
Eco-Friendly Karwa Chauth Ideas
Karwa Chauth can also be celebrated in an environmentally conscious way. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Use clay diyas instead of disposable plastic decorations.
- Choose eco-friendly and reusable Karwa Chauth gift items.
- Avoid unnecessary plastic plates and decorations.
- Choose natural mehndi from a reliable source.
- Use reusable puja thalis and containers.
- Share extra food and sweets with family, neighbours, or people who may need them.
- Reuse decorative items for future festivals.
Karwa Chauth 2026 Calendar Summary
| Event | Day | Date/Time | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karwa Chauth 2026 | Thursday | October 29, 2026 | Main fasting and festival day |
| Fasting Begins | Thursday | Around 6:31 AM | Start of the fasting period in Delhi |
| Puja Muhurat | Thursday | 5:38 PM – 6:56 PM | Evening puja and Katha |
| Moonrise | Thursday | Around 8:17 PM | Fast traditionally ends after moonrise |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | Thursday | 1:06 AM | Beginning of Chaturthi Tithi |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | Thursday | 10:09 PM | End of Chaturthi Tithi |
Timings in the table are based on Delhi/New Delhi. Timings can vary depending on location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
For Delhi/New Delhi, the Karwa Chauth puja muhurat is from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM on October 29, 2026.
In Delhi/New Delhi, the Moon is expected to rise at around 8:17 PM on October 29, 2026. The exact time varies by location.
Traditionally, married women observe the Karwa Chauth fast for their husband’s long life and well-being. Today, some husbands also choose to fast alongside their wives.
Sargi is a traditional pre-dawn meal eaten before the Karwa Chauth fast begins. It is commonly associated with the mother-in-law giving food and other items to her daughter-in-law.
The traditional Karwa Chauth fast is observed from sunrise until moonrise. Traditionally, women observing a nirjala vrat do not consume food or water during the fasting period.
Those observing the fast can prepare by eating a nourishing meal before the fast, staying hydrated beforehand, getting adequate rest, and breaking the fast gradually after moonrise. Anyone with a medical condition or special dietary requirement should follow their healthcare professional’s advice.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29. In Delhi, the puja muhurat is 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM, with moonrise expected at around 8:17 PM. Since timings vary by location, check your local Panchang for the most accurate moonrise time.
Karwa Chauth is a festival that brings together love, tradition, faith, and family. While fasting is an important part of the traditional celebration, the festival also provides an opportunity for couples to express care and appreciation for each other.
So, prepare your puja thali, choose your favourite outfit, apply beautiful mehndi, and celebrate Karwa Chauth 2026 with your loved ones, happiness, and togetherness.
