Karva Chauth 2026: Date, Vrat & Moonrise Significance
The fast for a husband’s long life
Karva Chauth is a day-long fast observed mainly by married women in North India for the long life and well-being of their husbands. It falls on the Chaturthi of the dark fortnight of Kartik, a few days before Diwali.
The fast is kept nirjala — without food or water — from sunrise until the moon is sighted at night. It is one of the most cherished festivals in the Hindu calendar, marked by ritual, togetherness and celebration.
Karva Chauth 2026 Date
Karva Chauth 2026 is on Thursday, 29 October 2026. It is observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi — the Chaturthi tithi of the Krishna paksha in the lunar month of Kartik.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and traditions. Always confirm the date and timings with your local panchang.
The Significance of Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth takes its name from karva — an earthen pot — and chauth, the fourth day. The pot of water used in the puja and to offer arghya to the moon gives the festival its name.
Several stories are associated with the day, including those of the devoted Veeravati and of Savitri, all centred on a wife’s love and the power of her prayer to protect her husband. The fast is understood as an act of devotion and quiet strength.
The day has also grown into a celebration of the bond between women. The pre-dawn meal of sargi, sent with love by the mother-in-law, and the gathering of women through the day to hear the vrat katha together, make Karva Chauth as much a festival of community as of fasting.
Karva Chauth Puja Vidhi
- Before dawn, the woman eats sargi — a meal traditionally prepared by her mother-in-law — and takes a vow to observe the fast.
- Through the day she keeps a nirjala fast, without food or water.
- In the afternoon, women gather to perform the puja and listen to the Karva Chauth vrat katha, passing the karva (pot) in a ritual circle.
- At night, when the moon rises, she views it through a sieve, then looks at her husband, and offers arghya (water) to the moon.
- The husband offers her the first sip of water and a morsel of food, and the fast is broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Karva Chauth in 2026?
Karva Chauth in 2026 falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026, on Kartik Chaturthi.
Why is Karva Chauth observed?
Karva Chauth is a fast kept by married women for the long life, health and prosperity of their husbands. It is regarded as an act of love, devotion and prayer for the marital bond.
Why do women wait for the moon on Karva Chauth?
The fast is broken only after the moon is sighted at night. The woman views the moon through a sieve, then her husband, and offers water to the moon before taking her first sip and food.
What is sargi in Karva Chauth?
Sargi is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins. It is traditionally prepared and sent by the mother-in-law as a blessing, and includes fruit, sweets and nourishing food.