Karwa Chauth 2026 Date: When Is the Fast? Check Puja Muhurat, Moonrise Time and Rituals

Karwa Chauth 2026 Date and Time: Karwa Chauth is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, particularly among married women in northern India. The occasion is traditionally observed with a day-long fast, prayers for marital happiness, and rituals dedicated to the well-being and longevity of one's husband. As the festival approaches, many devotees are searching for the exact Karwa Chauth date, auspicious Puja timings, and expected moonrise time.

According to the Hindu Panchang details reported for 2026, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 1:06 AM on October 29 and conclude at 10:09 PM the same day.

Since the relevant Chaturthi Tithi falls on October 29, devotees following this calendar will observe the Karwa Chauth fast on Thursday.

Here is everything you need to know about the festival's date, Chaturthi Tithi, traditional Puja procedure, moonrise, and fasting customs.

Karwa Chauth 2026: Important Date and Tithi Timings

Karwa Chauth is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Kartik, according to the Purnimanta calendar traditionally followed in much of northern India.

The important details for Karwa Chauth 2026 are:

The Chaturthi timings above are based on the supplied report. Devotees should refer to their local Panchang for city-specific Puja and moonrise calculations.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Puja Muhurat: When Should You Perform the Evening Worship?

The evening Puja is among the most important parts of Karwa Chauth celebrations.

Traditionally, devotees worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya while praying for happiness, prosperity, and harmony in married life.

The Puja is generally performed during an auspicious evening period, after which devotees wait for the Moon to appear.

The exact Shubh Muhurat can differ depending on the city and the Panchang calculation being followed.

For this reason, devotees in Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and other cities should confirm the appropriate evening Puja window using a reliable location-specific Hindu calendar.

It is important not to confuse the Chaturthi Tithi's ending time with the evening Puja Muhurat, as they represent different aspects of the religious calendar.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Time: When Will the Moon Appear?

Moonrise is especially important during Karwa Chauth because many women traditionally conclude their fast only after sighting the Moon and performing the prescribed rituals.

However, the Moon does not rise at exactly the same time across India.

The timing depends on geographical location, and local visibility may also be affected by clouds or weather conditions.

Those observing Karwa Chauth on October 29 should check the expected moonrise time for their city before making arrangements for the evening rituals.

A location-specific Panchang or astronomical moonrise calendar is the most appropriate source for an exact prediction.

Why Is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?

Karwa Chauth holds deep cultural and religious significance in many Hindu families.

Traditionally, married women observe the fast while praying for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands.

The festival also symbolizes marital commitment, affection, family relationships, and devotion.

Although the observance is particularly popular in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, celebrations are now common in several other regions as well.

In some families, husbands also choose to fast alongside their wives as a gesture of companionship.

Customs vary between communities, and participation in the fast is a personal religious choice.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Puja Vidhi: How Is the Festival Traditionally Observed?

Karwa Chauth rituals differ across families and regions, but several practices are widely followed.

1. Begin the day with Sargi

In many Punjabi and North Indian households, women eat a pre-dawn meal known as Sargi. Traditionally, it may be prepared or given by the mother-in-law.

The meal often includes fruits, nuts, sweets, and other foods.

2. Observe the Karwa Chauth fast

Many devotees traditionally observe a Nirjala fast, which involves avoiding both food and water until the evening Moon-related rituals are completed.

However, fasting practices vary, and people with medical conditions, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those taking medication should seek medical guidance before attempting a strict fast.

3. Prepare for the evening Puja

Women often dress in traditional attire, apply mehndi, and arrange the necessary Puja items.

Commonly used materials include a Karwa, diya, flowers, sweets, rice, water, and other offerings according to family customs.

4. Listen to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha

During the evening worship, devotees traditionally listen to or recite the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha.

The story is associated with devotion, determination, and the religious importance of the observance.

5. Offer Arghya to the Moon

After moonrise, devotees traditionally view the Moon, sometimes through a sieve, and offer water as part of the ritual.

6. Complete the fast

Following the Moon worship, many women traditionally look at their husbands and conclude the fast with water and food.

The exact sequence of rituals may differ depending on local traditions.

What Is the Significance of Chaturthi Tithi on Karwa Chauth?

Chaturthi is the fourth lunar day of a Paksha in the Hindu calendar.

Karwa Chauth is observed during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, which falls in the waning phase of the Moon.

In Hindu religious tradition, Chaturthi is also associated with Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles.

During Karwa Chauth, prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are traditionally connected with hopes for a peaceful and prosperous married life.

The festival therefore combines lunar-calendar observances with family traditions and devotional practices.

Karwa Chauth 2026: Important Things to Keep in Mind

People planning to observe Karwa Chauth this year should confirm the local Puja Muhurat and moonrise time in advance.

Those following a strict fast should also consider their physical health and any medical advice they have received.

It is useful to prepare Puja materials ahead of time and understand the customs followed within the family.

Because regional traditions differ, there is no single ceremony format followed by every Hindu household.

Final Takeaway

Karwa Chauth 2026 will be observed on Thursday, October 29, according to the Panchang information provided. The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 1:06 AM and end at 10:09 PM on the same date.

For devotees observing the festival, the evening Puja and Moon worship are among the most important rituals. Since moonrise and auspicious timings vary from city to city, checking a local Panchang will help ensure the correct schedule.

Source reference: Aaj Tak — Karwa Chauth 2026, October 8, 2026. The article has been independently rewritten and expanded from the supplied excerpt. Exact Puja and moonrise timings have not been independently verified.