Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Karwachauth is an important Hindu festival observed by married women, who pray for their husbands’ long lives, good health and happiness in married life. Traditionally, women observe a day-long nirjala vrat, abstaining from food and water, and break their fast after performing the evening puja and sighting the Moon.
The festival is marked by traditional rituals, solah shringar, the recitation of the Karwachauth vrat katha and prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Karwa Mata.
For those observing the fast, knowing the auspicious puja muhurat and expected moonrise time is particularly important. Here is a complete guide to the puja vidhi, vrat katha timings and city-wise moonrise schedule for Karwa Chauth 2026.
Karwachauth 2026: Puja Muhurat and Vrat Katha Timing
According to the timings provided, the auspicious period for reading or listening to the Karwachauth vrat katha during the evening Pradosh Kaal will be from 5:38 pm to 6:56 pm.
Women traditionally perform the evening puja during the prescribed auspicious period, offer prayers to the deities and listen to the vrat katha. The rituals may vary according to regional customs and family traditions.
Karwachauth 2026: City-Wise Moonrise Timings
The expected moonrise timings for major cities are as follows:
Delhi: 8:17 pm to 8:21 pm
Chandigarh: Around 8:18 pm
Amritsar: Around 8:24 pm
Ghaziabad: Around 8:16 pm
Mumbai: Around 9:00 pm
Kanpur: Around 8:05 pm
Lucknow: Around 8:06 pm
Prayagraj: Around 8:00 pm
Agra: Around 8:15 pm
Patna: 7:48 pm to 7:50 pm
Gurugram: Around 8:22 pm
Faridabad: Around 8:20 pm
Bhopal: Around 8:33 pm
Indore: 8:30 pm to 8:35 pm
Ujjain: Around 8:32 pm
Moonrise timings can vary by location, so devotees should confirm the local timing before performing the Moon-related rituals.
Karwachauth Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Rituals
The evening puja is an important part of Karwachauth. Women generally follow these steps:
Prepare the puja area: Clean a suitable space and place a wooden platform or chowki.
Install the deities: Cover the platform with a red or yellow cloth and place pictures or idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Karwa Mata.
Arrange the puja samagri: Keep a karwa filled with water, a lamp, roli, rice grains, flowers, sweets and other traditional offerings.
Listen to the vrat katha: Read or listen to the Karwa Chauth story during the evening puja.
Perform the aarti: Conclude the prayers with an aarti according to family customs.
Offer arghya to the Moon: After moonrise, offer water to Chandra Dev and pray for the well-being of the family.
Break the fast: In many traditions, women look at the Moon through a sieve and then look at their husbands. They subsequently break their fast, often by drinking water offered by their husbands, followed by a meal.
Why Is the Karwachauth Vrat Katha Important?
Listening to or reciting the Karwachauth vrat katha is a traditional part of the festival. It is generally performed during the evening puja and is associated with devotion, faith and prayers for marital happiness.
The story is passed down through generations, with different versions followed in different regions. Women listen to the katha before completing the remaining rituals and waiting for moonrise.
Sargi Before Sunrise: What Should Women Eat?
Sargi is traditionally consumed before sunrise and helps women prepare for the day-long fast. It is often prepared by the mother-in-law and may include fruits, sweets, dry fruits and other nutritious foods.
Women observing the fast are traditionally expected to abstain from food and water until moonrise. However, fasting practices should take individual health needs into account. People who are pregnant, unwell or have medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before undertaking a strict fast.
Karwachauth Traditions: Clothing, Solah Shringar and Rituals
Red, pink and other auspicious colours are traditionally preferred for Karwachauth. Many women wear traditional outfits and complete their solah shringar as part of the celebrations. Some families also follow the custom of avoiding black clothing on the occasion.
The evening is often marked by women gathering for the puja, listening to the vrat katha and praying for their husbands’ well-being. After sighting the Moon, they offer arghya and break their fast according to their family traditions.
Important Things to Remember on Karwachauth
Complete the sargi ritual before sunrise, according to family customs.
Perform the evening puja during the appropriate muhurat.
Read or listen to the vrat katha as part of the worship.
Maintain a peaceful atmosphere and avoid arguments where possible.
Offer arghya to the Moon after moonrise and complete the fast according to tradition.
Those who wish may donate food, clothes or other essentials to people in need.
Karwachauth is an occasion of religious observance, family gatherings and the celebration of marital bonds. Women observe the fast with devotion, following the customs and rituals passed down through generations.
