Karwa Chauth 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat and Moonrise Time

One moonrise can bring an entire day's wait to an emotional moment. Karwa Chauth is a cherished Hindu festival in which married women traditionally observe a fast, pray for their husbands' well-being and complete the vrat after sighting the Moon. In 2026, Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, October 29. But before preparing the puja thali, there are a few timings to remember. From the evening puja muhurat to the expected moonrise, knowing the schedule can help you plan the rituals without a last-minute rush.

Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29, 2026, across India. It falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar. Married women traditionally observe the fast for their husbands' long life, health and well-being. Many families begin the day with sargi, followed by prayers and preparations for the evening puja. The festival also brings together mothers, daughters, sisters and friends who share food, stories and festive customs. Although traditions differ between families and regions, the sighting of the Moon remains one of the most awaited moments of the celebration.

According to the published New Delhi Panchang timings, the Karwa Chauth puja muhurat will be from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM on October 29. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 1:06 AM and ends at 10:09 PM on the same date. Women traditionally worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and the sacred karwa during the evening puja, following their family customs. Since muhurat timings can vary by location, check a local Panchang before finalising your puja schedule.

For New Delhi, the expected moonrise on Karwa Chauth 2026 is around 8:17 PM. Women traditionally wait until they sight the Moon before completing their fast. They offer arghya, or a ritual offering of water, and follow the customary sequence of viewing the Moon and their husbands through a sieve. The exact moonrise time differs across cities, so the Delhi timing should not be treated as a nationwide schedule. Clouds, buildings and other obstructions may also delay the actual sighting. Check the local timing for your city before planning the evening rituals.

In New Delhi, the listed fasting period for Karwa Chauth 2026 is approximately 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM. Traditionally, the fast begins after the early-morning meal known as sargi and continues until the Moon is sighted. Many women observe a nirjala fast, abstaining from both food and water, although personal circumstances and family practices may differ. Anyone who is pregnant, unwell, taking medication or managing a medical condition should seek medical advice before attempting a strict fast. The observance should be approached with care, without ignoring the body's health needs.

Karwa Chauth carries emotional and cultural meaning for many Hindu families. The fast is traditionally observed by married women for their husbands' long life and well-being, while the shared rituals offer couples a moment to express care and commitment. Some women also celebrate the festival as a family tradition passed down through generations. The evening puja, the vrat katha and the Moon-sighting ritual give the day its familiar rhythm. Customs vary, and the festival can be observed in ways that suit each household. At its heart, the celebration is an expression of devotion, affection and the wish for a happy married life.

Before the puja, prepare the karwa, diya, flowers, kumkum, sweets, water and other items required by your family tradition. During the evening muhurat, perform the puja and listen to the Karwa Chauth vrat katha. After the Moon appears, women traditionally offer arghya and complete the prescribed Moon-sighting ritual, often looking at their husbands through a sieve. They then break their fast according to their family customs. Because ritual details differ across communities, follow the practices observed in your household and confirm the local Panchang timings in advance.

A little planning can make Karwa Chauth less stressful. Arrange your puja items the previous evening, confirm your city's moonrise time and keep your festive clothes ready. If you observe sargi, plan a suitable early-morning meal according to your health needs and usual dietary requirements. Avoid relying on a single moonrise time shared online because it may apply to another city. Most importantly, allow enough time for the evening puja rather than rushing through the rituals. The celebration feels more meaningful when you can focus on the prayers and the people gathered around you.

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