Karwa Chauth 2026: Quick Answer
Karwa Chauth 2026 falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026. In New Delhi, the fast runs from 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM, the puja muhurat is 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM, and the moon rises at 8:17 PM. In Jaipur, the puja muhurat is 5:46–7:03 PM and moonrise is at 8:28 PM. The Kartik Krishna Chaturthi tithi runs from 1:06 AM to 10:09 PM on 29 October. The same day is also Sankashti Chaturthi.
| Detail | New Delhi | Jaipur |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Thu, 29 Oct 2026 | Thu, 29 Oct 2026 |
| Fasting time | 6:31 AM – 8:17 PM | 6:34 AM – 8:28 PM |
| Puja muhurat | 5:38 – 6:56 PM | 5:46 – 7:03 PM |
| Moonrise | 8:17 PM | 8:28 PM |
| Chaturthi tithi | 1:06 AM – 10:09 PM | 1:06 AM – 10:09 PM |
For other cities, see the Karwa Chauth 2026 moonrise table and our Karwa Chauth festival page.
What Is Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is a fast kept by married women on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi (in the purnimanta calendar) for the long life, health and well-being of their husbands. Karwa is the earthen pot used in the puja and Chauth means the fourth day. Women fast from sunrise to moonrise — traditionally a nirjala (waterless) fast — worship Goddess Parvati (Gauri), Lord Shiva, Ganesha and Kartikeya in the evening, listen to the Karwa Chauth katha, and break the fast after offering arghya to the moon. Unmarried girls who are engaged, and in many families husbands too, keep the fast.
Why on 29 October?
Karwa Chauth is observed on the Chaturthi that prevails at moonrise. In 2026, Chaturthi lasts from 1:06 AM to 10:09 PM on 29 October, and the moon rises around 8:00–9:00 PM across India — within Chaturthi. Hence 29 October is the date.
Daily Timeline for 29 October (Delhi)
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Before 6:31 AM | Sargi (pre-dawn meal) and water |
| 6:31 AM | Fast begins |
| Daytime | Rest, preparation, solah shringar |
| 5:38 – 6:56 PM | Puja and katha |
| 8:17 PM | Moonrise, arghya, seeing the moon through a sieve |
| After arghya | Fast broken with water from the husband's hand |
Significance
According to tradition, Goddess Parvati observed this fast for Lord Shiva, and Draupadi observed it on Lord Krishna's advice to protect the Pandavas. The best-known story is that of Queen Veeravati, whose husband was revived by the power of her devotion. Read the full Karwa Chauth katha.
In Rajasthan, the Chauth Mata temple at Barwara (Sawai Madhopur district) is especially revered on this day.
Things to Avoid on Karwa Chauth
- •Don't break the fast before moonrise.
- •Avoid sleeping in the day, quarrels and gossip.
- •Folk belief: avoid using scissors, needles and knives.
- •Prefer red, yellow or bright colours; avoid black or white for the puja.
- •Respect your mother-in-law and elders — their blessing is the heart of the vrat.
Tips for First-Time Brides
Wear your wedding outfit if it's family custom, take a nourishing sargi with enough water, rest during the day and join an experienced group for the evening puja.
Summary
Karwa Chauth 2026 is on Thursday, 29 October. Fast from sunrise to moonrise, do the puja in the evening (5:38–6:56 PM in Delhi, 5:46–7:03 PM in Jaipur), and break the fast after moonrise — 8:17 PM in Delhi, 8:28 PM in Jaipur.
