As Karwa Chauth approaches, married Hindu women across India prepare for a day of fasting and devotion dedicated to the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. This year, Karwa Chauth falls on October 20, 2024, and involves various rituals culminating in the sighting of the moon. Women will fast from sunrise until moonrise, breaking their fast after making offerings to the moon.
Moonrise Timings Across Major Cities
The moonrise time varies by city, making it essential for women observing the fast to know when to expect the moon. Here are the expected moonrise timings for several major cities on Karwa Chauth:
- Delhi: 7:54 PM
- Greater Noida: 7:53 PM
- Kanpur: 7:47 PM
- Dehradun: 7:46 PM
- Jaipur: 8:05 PM
- Ahmedabad: 8:28 PM
- Kolkata: 7:24 PM
- Mumbai: 8:37 PM
- Bengaluru: 8:32 PM
- Chennai: 8:21 PM
- Hyderabad: 8:18 PM
- Lucknow: 7:44 PM
- Patna: 7:30 PM
- Pune: 8:35 PM
- Gurugram: 7:56 PM
- Chandigarh: 7:48 PM
- Jammu: 7:52 PM
These timings are crucial for women to plan their rituals effectively.
Shubh Muhurat for Karwa Chauth Puja
According to the Purnimanta calendar, Karwa Chauth is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Kartik. This year, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 6:46 AM on October 20 and concludes at 4:16 AM on October 21. The auspicious time for performing the Karwa Chauth puja is from 5:46 PM to 7:02 PM, lasting for approximately one hour and sixteen minutes.
Detailed Karwa Chauth Rituals and Significance
The day begins with a pre-dawn meal known as Sargi, prepared by mothers-in-law for their daughters-in-law. This meal typically includes nutritious foods such as fruits, sweets, and dry fruits that sustain women throughout their fasting period. Following Sargi, women observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water until they sight the moon.As evening approaches, women dress in traditional attire—often in shades of red and gold—and gather for puja rituals. They recite stories of legendary figures like Veeravati and Savitri, who exemplified devotion and love. The fast concludes with the sighting of the moon through a sieve (chalni), followed by offering prayers and breaking the fast with water provided by their husbands.During the puja, women gather in circles with their thalis (plates) filled with offerings such as sweets, fruits, and a diya (lamp). They sing traditional songs while passing their thalis around in a ritual known as thali batana. This communal aspect reinforces bonds among women as they share stories and prayers.Once the moon is visible, women perform specific rituals such as offering water to the moon while chanting prayers. In some regions, they draw a face of the moon with rice paste on the ground and offer kumkum (red pigment) along with flowers and sweets. After this, they look at their husband’s face through the sieve before breaking their fast.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth is not just a ritual; it represents strength, commitment, and love within marriages. As women prepare to observe this significant festival, knowing the moonrise timings and auspicious moments will help them fulfill their traditions with grace and devotion.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as encouragement or advice on participating in fasting rituals or religious practices. Always consult local customs or experts for specific guidance regarding religious observances.
