Karwa Chauth 2026: Date, Moonrise Time, Puja Vidhi & Vrat Guide

Karwa Chauth is one of the most widely observed Hindu fasting traditions among married women in North India. The day brings together vrat, sargi, solah shringar, Karwa Chauth katha, evening puja and moon sighting, with families following traditions that may vary slightly by region.

In 2026, Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, 29 October. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at approximately 1:06 AM on 29 October and ends at 10:09 PM.

If you are searching for the Karwa Chauth 2026 date, moonrise time, puja muhurat, vrat vidhi and rituals, here is a complete guide.

When Is Karwa Chauth 2026?

Karwa Chauth 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, 29 October 2026.

Karwa Chauth is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. In the North Indian Purnimanta calendar, it falls during Kartik, while some Amanta calendars refer to the corresponding month as Ashwin. The festival itself is observed on the same date.

Karwa Chauth 2026 at a glance

Puja and moonrise timings are location-specific, so people should check the timing for their own city rather than relying on one India-wide moonrise time.

What Is the Moonrise Time on Karwa Chauth 2026?

The moonrise on Karwa Chauth varies significantly from city to city. For example, published calculations put it around 8:12 PM in Delhi, 8:56 PM in Mumbai, 8:51 PM in Bengaluru and 8:36 PM in Hyderabad on 29 October.

For Bhopal, Drik Panchang currently lists the expected moonrise at approximately 8:31 PM, with the puja muhurat from 5:44 PM to 7:00 PM.

Because moonrise depends on location, always verify the local timing closer to Karwa Chauth.

Why Is Karwa Chauth Celebrated?

Karwa Chauth is traditionally observed by married Hindu women who fast and pray for their husband's long life, health and wellbeing.

The festival is also associated with devotion, companionship and marital bonds. Its rituals commonly involve worship of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and the Moon.

The word Karwa refers to the earthen pot traditionally used during the rituals, while Chauth refers to the fourth lunar day or Chaturthi.

Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide

Traditions differ between families and regions, but a typical Karwa Chauth begins before sunrise.

Women traditionally eat sargi before sunrise. It is often prepared or gifted by the mother-in-law and may include fruits, sweets, dry fruits and other foods according to family customs.

After sunrise, those observing the traditional vrat abstain from food and water until the moon is sighted. The exact fasting practice can vary by family and individual circumstances.

Before the evening puja, women traditionally dress in festive attire and complete solah shringar, which may include mehendi, bangles, sindoor, bindi and jewellery.

The puja space is then prepared with items such as a karwa, diya, roli, rice, water, flowers and puja thali. Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and associated deities are worshipped according to family tradition.

Women may gather together to listen to or recite the Karwa Chauth vrat katha and perform the traditional puja.

Once the moon becomes visible, water or arghya is offered to the moon. Traditionally, many women view the moon through a sieve before looking at their husband and then break the fast.

What Is Sargi on Karwa Chauth?

Sargi is the traditional pre-dawn meal eaten before beginning the Karwa Chauth fast.

Beyond being a meal, sargi represents the relationship between generations within a family. Depending on regional and household customs, the sargi thali may contain fruits, sweets, dry fruits, cooked dishes and beverages.

Since the traditional fast can continue from sunrise until moonrise, the pre-dawn ritual is an important part of the day.

What Is Solah Shringar?

Solah Shringar refers to the traditional adornments associated with a married woman's festive dressing.

Karwa Chauth styling often incorporates red, maroon, rani pink, gold and other auspicious festive shades alongside jewellery, bangles, mehendi and traditional Indian attire.

The exact elements are personal and vary across regions and families.

What to Wear on Karwa Chauth 2026

Karwa Chauth dressing traditionally leans towards rich, celebratory colours.

Red and maroon remain classic choices, while rani pink, magenta and gold create an equally festive look. For something softer, ivory and cream paired with gold accessories can create an understated festive aesthetic.

For women who prefer handloom, Banarasi Silk and Tissue Silk sarees bring a luminous richness suitable for evening puja. Tussar Silk offers a more textured, understated look, while Organza and Georgette work beautifully for lighter contemporary styling.

At Atulya Karigari, Karwa Chauth styling can extend beyond the saree itself. A festive look can be completed with handcrafted jewellery, embroidered juttis or mules, brocade potli bags and clutches.

Karwa Chauth Gift Ideas

Gifting has increasingly become another way couples and families mark the occasion.

Instead of choosing something solely for the festival, consider something that can remain part of the recipient's wardrobe or home beyond Karwa Chauth.

A handwoven saree works beautifully for someone who loves Indian textiles. Handcrafted jewellery is suitable for festive and everyday dressing, while embroidered juttis, potlis and brocade clutches can complement wedding and festive wardrobes.

For someone interested in Indian interiors and craft, Dhokra art, Pattachitra and natural-fibre handcrafted décor offer alternatives to conventional fashion gifts.

Atulya Karigari brings these categories together through Indian handloom and handcrafted products, making it possible to create a more personal Karwa Chauth gift rather than relying on a standard festive hamper.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Checklist

Before 29 October, you may want to keep your sargi ingredients, puja thali, karwa, diya, roli, rice, flowers, sieve, water vessel and festive attire ready.

Most importantly, check the moonrise and puja timings for your own city, since these can differ noticeably across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026.

What time will the moon rise on Karwa Chauth 2026?
There is no single moonrise time for all of India. For example, Delhi is expected around 8:12 PM, while Mumbai is around 8:56 PM. Check your city's local moonrise time.

What is the Karwa Chauth 2026 moonrise time in Bhopal?
The currently listed Bhopal moonrise time is approximately 8:31 PM on 29 October 2026.

What is eaten in sargi?
Sargi commonly includes fruits, dry fruits, sweets and other foods according to individual family traditions.

What colour should I wear for Karwa Chauth?
Red and maroon are classic choices. Rani pink, magenta, gold, ivory and other festive shades can also work beautifully.

Which saree is best for Karwa Chauth?
Banarasi Silk, Tissue Silk, Tussar Silk, Organza and Georgette are all suitable depending on whether you want a traditional, luxurious or lightweight look.

When is the Karwa Chauth fast broken?
Traditionally, the fast is broken after the moon is sighted and the associated moon rituals are completed.