Karwa Chauth is one of the most widely celebrated festivals among married Hindu women, particularly in North India. As the festival approaches, many people are searching for the correct date, with October 29 and October 30 both being considered by some. However, Karwa Chauth 2026 will be observed on Thursday, October 29, in India. The date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and the timing of Chaturthi Tithi in relation to moonrise.
The festival is traditionally observed by married women who fast and pray for their husbands’ health, longevity and well-being. The day includes pre-dawn preparations, evening worship, the recitation of the vrat katha and prayers to the Moon before the fast is completed.
Karwa Chauth 2026: October 29 or October 30?
Karwa Chauth falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waning lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival is also known as Karva Chauth or Karak Chaturthi.
In 2026, the festival falls on Thursday, October 29. According to published Panchang timings, Chaturthi Tithi begins at approximately 1:06 am on October 29 and ends at around 10:09 pm on the same day.
The traditional observance follows the lunar tithi at moonrise, which is why the timing of the Moon is important in determining the vrat date. Since Chaturthi prevails at moonrise on October 29 in India, devotees will observe Karwa Chauth on Thursday rather than Friday, October 30.
Karwa Chauth 2026: Important Dates and Timings
Here are the key timings for devotees planning their Karwa Chauth celebrations.
Event Date and time
Karwa Chauth Thursday, October 29, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi begins October 29, approximately 1:06 am
Chaturthi Tithi ends October 29, approximately 10:09 pm
Puja muhurat in New Delhi Approximately 5:38 pm to 6:56 pm
Expected moonrise in New Delhi Approximately 8:17 pm
These timings are based on published Panchang information for New Delhi. Puja and moonrise timings vary by location, so devotees should consult a local Panchang for their city.
Karwa Chauth 2026 City-Wise Moonrise Timings
Moonrise is one of the most important moments of Karwa Chauth because devotees traditionally complete their fast after sighting and worshipping the Moon.
The expected moonrise timings for October 29, 2026, in selected Indian cities are as follows:
City Expected moonrise
Kolkata 7:47 pm
Lucknow 8:06 pm
Kanpur 8:10 pm
New Delhi 8:17 pm
Jaipur 8:28 pm
Hyderabad 8:41 pm
Chennai 8:44 pm
Bengaluru 8:55 pm
Pune 8:58 pm
Mumbai 9:00 pm
These are indicative timings and may differ slightly across localities and Panchang sources. Actual visibility can also be affected by weather conditions.
Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat 2026
The evening puja is an important part of Karwa Chauth. In New Delhi, the puja muhurat is expected to run from approximately 5:38 pm to 6:56 pm on October 29.
During this period, devotees traditionally worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Karwa Mata, following their family customs. The puja thali is prepared with items such as a diya, flowers, kumkum, rice, sweets and a karwa, which is traditionally an earthen pot filled with water.
Women may gather with family members or other devotees for the evening rituals. The Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha is also recited or heard as part of the observance.
Karwa Chauth Fasting Rituals: What Do Women Do?
Karwa Chauth preparations often begin before sunrise with sargi, a pre-dawn meal traditionally given to a married woman by her mother-in-law. The meal may include fruits, dry fruits, sweets and other foods, depending on family traditions.
After sargi, women traditionally observe a fast through the day. In many households, this includes abstaining from both food and water until the Moon is sighted. However, fasting practices vary, and individual health needs should be taken into account.
Women often dress in traditional attire, apply mehendi and prepare their puja thalis for the evening ceremony. The rituals may include prayers for marital well-being, worship of the deities and listening to the vrat katha.
After the Moon becomes visible, devotees offer arghya, or water, to it. In many families, women view the Moon through a sieve, followed by their husband’s face through the same sieve. The fast is then completed according to the family’s customs.
Why Is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?
Karwa Chauth holds cultural and religious significance in several North Indian communities, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
The festival is traditionally associated with prayers for a husband’s long life, good health and prosperity. Over time, its celebrations have also become occasions for family gatherings, dressing up, exchanging gifts and strengthening bonds between married couples.
Several traditional stories are associated with Karwa Chauth, including the tale of Veeravati, whose devotion and determination are central to a popular version of the vrat katha. Another story linked with marital devotion is that of Savitri and Satyavan. Narratives and ritual practices may vary across communities.
The word ‘Karwa’ refers to the earthen pot used in traditional rituals, while ‘Chauth’ refers to the fourth lunar day on which the festival is observed.
Important Things to Remember Before Karwa Chauth 2026
Those observing the festival should confirm their local puja muhurat and moonrise time before making preparations. Since moonrise differs across cities, a single timing should not be treated as applicable throughout India.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing diabetes or another medical condition, or taking regular medication should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking a strict fast, particularly one that excludes water. Prescribed medicines should not be stopped or altered without medical guidance.
With Karwa Chauth falling on October 29 this year, families can begin preparing for the rituals, arrange the required puja items and check local timings in advance. The festival remains an important occasion for devotion, family traditions and celebrating the bonds of marriage.