Karwa Chauth, also known as Karaka Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival observed predominantly by married women across India. In 2025, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Friday, October 10.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is a day-long fast observed by married women for the safety, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. The festival underscores the deep bond of love and devotion between spouses. Traditionally, women abstain from food and water from sunrise until moonrise, breaking their fast only after sighting the moon and performing rituals.
Rituals and Observances
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Sargi: Before dawn, women consume a pre-dawn meal known as Sargi, which is traditionally prepared by their mothers-in-law.
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Fasting: The fast begins at sunrise and continues without food or water until moonrise.
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Evening Puja: In the evening, women gather to perform the Karwa Chauth puja, narrate the Karwa Chauth Katha (story), and pray for their husbands’ well-being.
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Moonrise Ritual: Upon sighting the moon, women view it through a sieve, offer water (Arghya), and then look at their husbands through the same sieve. The husbands then offer their wives the first sip of water and a bite of food, symbolizing the end of the fast.
Puja Muhurat and Moonrise Time
For those observing the festival in India, the Karwa Chauth puja muhurat is from 5:57 PM to 7:11 PM IST, lasting 1 hour and 14 minutes. The moonrise is expected at 8:13 PM IST.
Cultural Importance
Karwa Chauth is not just a ritualistic fast but a celebration of marital harmony, love, and commitment. Over the years, the festival has transcended its traditional boundaries, with many unmarried women also observing the fast in hopes of a loving spouse. The day is marked by vibrant attire, intricate henna designs, and a sense of community among women.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth 2025, falling on October 10, is a day of devotion, love, and cultural significance. As women across India and the world prepare to observe this sacred fast, the festival continues to reinforce the timeless values of love, sacrifice, and togetherness in marital relationships.