Karwa Chauth
festivalsAlso known as: Karaka (Karwa) 4
Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth at a Glance
Karwa Chauth is fixed by the lunar calendar to Kartika Krishna Chaturthi, the 4th tithi of the waning (Krishna) fortnight of Kartika (Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi in the Amanta calendar).
- Tithi rule
- Kartika Krishna Chaturthi (Purnimanta)Krishna ChaturthiKartika month
- Tithi swami and group
- Ganesha · Rikta Tithi
About Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is one of the most widely observed fasting festivals among married Hindu women in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. It falls on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika. On this day, married women observe a strict Nirjala fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the longevity, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women also observe the fast in some regions, praying for a loving and suitable life partner.
The word 'Karwa' refers to a small earthen pot with a spout, symbolizing prosperity and the source of life, while 'Chauth' means the fourth day. The festival is rich in rituals, including the pre-dawn meal (Sargi) given by the mother-in-law, the application of intricate henna designs, the wearing of bridal attire, and the evening gathering of women for the Katha (story) and songs. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and offering Arghya through a sieve, through which the husband's face is first viewed.
The origins of Karwa Chauth are linked to several legends, the most popular being the story of Queen Veeravati, whose devotion and the intercession of Goddess Gaura brought her husband back from the brink of death. Another legend associates the festival with the epic Mahabharata, where Draupadi observed the fast at the behest of Lord Krishna. Today, Karwa Chauth is celebrated with great enthusiasm, blending deep tradition with modern expressions of love and commitment.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Karwa Chauth is observed with a strict fast, Sargi, Puja, moon sighting, and the husband's blessings.
- Eat Sargi, a pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother-in-law, before sunrise to sustain the day-long fast.
- Dress in bridal finery, apply mehndi, and adorn yourself with jewelry and sindoor.
- Observe a Nirjala fast (no food or water) from sunrise until moonrise.
- In the evening, gather with other women to listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha and sing traditional songs.
- After moonrise, sight the moon through a sieve and offer Arghya to the moon using a Karwa (earthen pot).
- View your husband's face through the sieve before breaking the fast with water and food from his hands.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Decorate the Puja area and place an idol or image of Goddess Gaura (Parvati).
- Fill the Karwa with water and adorn it with rice, kumkum, and flowers.
- Offer sweets, cosmetics, and bangles to the deity and to married women.
- Listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha with devotion.
- Light a lamp and perform Aarti at the end of the Katha.
- After moonrise, offer Arghya and break the fast.
Vrat Katha: The Devotion of Queen Veeravati
Queen Veeravati was deeply devoted to her husband and observed Karwa Chauth with great faith.
When she fainted due to hunger, her brothers tricked her into breaking the fast early by showing a false moon.
As a result, her husband fell critically ill, but her sincere prayers and Goddess Gaura's grace restored his life and health.
Karwa Chauth: Frequently Asked Questions
Kartika Krishna Chaturthi (Ashwin Krishna Chaturthi in the Amanta calendar); its swami is Ganesha, a Rikta Tithi.
Yes, in many regions unmarried women fast for a suitable life partner, though the primary observance is by married women.
Sargi is a pre-dawn meal given by the mother-in-law to the daughter-in-law before the Karwa Chauth fast begins.
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.