Moon Arghya on Karwa Chauth: Quick Answer
On 29 October 2026, after moonrise (8:17 PM in Delhi, 8:28 PM in Jaipur), go to an open place facing east. Fill the karwa or a lota with water mixed with a little raw milk, akshat, roli and a white flower. Hold it with both hands at chest height and pour a steady stream towards the moon while chanting "Gaganarnava-manikya chandra dakshayani-pate, grihanarghyam maya dattam Ganesha-pratirupaka." Then light a diya in the sieve, look at the moon through it, then at your husband, perform a small aarti, and break the fast with water from his hand. Chaturthi ends at 10:09 PM.
Items Needed
- •Karwa or lota of water
- •A little raw milk, akshat, roli, a white flower, sugar (optional)
- •Chalni (sieve) and a small ghee diya
- •Puja thali with sweets
- •Water glass for breaking the fast
Step-by-Step
- 1Wait for moonrise for your city; see the moonrise table.
- 2Face east, where the moon rises, on a clean surface.
- 3Sight the moon and fold your hands.
- 4Arghya: Pour the water in a thin stream, so the moon's reflection is seen through the falling water. Chant the mantra or "Om Somaya Namah".
- 5Parikrama: Turn around once in place, clockwise (in many families).
- 6Sieve ritual: Place a diya in or behind the sieve; look at the moon through it, then at your husband's face.
- 7Aarti: Do a small aarti of the moon and your husband.
- 8Break the fast: Your husband gives you water and a sweet; touch his feet and take blessings.
Mantras
- •"Gaganarnava-manikya chandra dakshayani-pate, grihanarghyam maya dattam Ganesha-pratirupaka."
- •Simple: "Om Chandramase Namah" or "Om Somaya Namah".
If It's Cloudy
Wait until after moonrise time, then offer arghya facing east; some families offer it to the moon on Lord Shiva's head in a picture. Don't break the fast before moonrise.
The Moon in Astrology
In Vedic astrology the moon signifies the mind, emotions, calm and beauty. A peaceful mind is the basis of a happy marriage, which gives the moon worship of Karwa Chauth its deeper meaning.
Group Arghya
In many societies women offer arghya together on a terrace or in a park. Keep enough space between lamps and sarees, let one person track the moonrise, and keep children away from parapets.
First Karwa Chauth
New brides often wear their wedding outfit; elders guide them through the arghya. If you don't know the mantra, pray in simple words for lasting good fortune.
Summary
On 29 October 2026, after moonrise, offer milk-water arghya facing east with the mantra, look at the moon and your husband through the sieve, do aarti and break the fast from his hand — before Chaturthi ends at 10:09 PM.
