Karwa Chauth is a deeply cherished festival celebrated by married Hindu women in India. It is a day dedicated to fasting, devotion, and prayers for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The festival is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, which usually falls in october or November. In 2025, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on November 1st.
Here’s a complete guide to the Puja timings, the Katha to recite, and the rituals involved in this beautiful and sacred occasion.
1. Karwa Chauth Puja Timings for 2025
The Karwa Chauth day starts early in the morning and continues until the moon is sighted. The key events of the day revolve around Chaturthi Tithi, which is when the main puja and fasting rituals are performed.
Here’s the breakdown of important timings:
· Karwa Chauth Vrat Begin (Sargi): 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM
o Married women receive Sargi (a pre-dawn meal) from their mother-in-law. This meal includes food items like fruits, parathas, sweets, and water to sustain them through the day-long fast.
· Karwa Chauth Fast Begins: 5:30 AM onwards
o The fast begins at dawn after having the Sargi and women must abstain from eating or drinking throughout the day.
· Karwa Chauth Puja Timing (Main Puja): 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
o The main puja is performed in the evening when the fast is broken, and women pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
· Moonrise Time: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Exact timing varies by location)
o women must wait for the moon to rise before they break their fast. After sighting the moon, they perform a ritualistic prayer before having the first sip of water.
· Karwa Chauth Vrat Ends: 7:30 PM onwards
o After completing the prayers and rituals, women break their fast by sipping water through their husband's hands, followed by consuming water and food.
2. Karwa Chauth Rituals
Sargi (Pre-Dawn Meal)
The day starts with the Sargi, which is given by the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law. It consists of a variety of nutritious foods, such as fruits, sweets, and parathas, that help sustain the woman through the fast. Sargi should ideally be consumed before sunrise.
The Day-Long Fast
· women fast from sunrise until moonrise without consuming any food or water. The fast is believed to strengthen the bond of love and affection between the husband and wife.
· During the day, women engage in prayers and prepare for the evening puja. Some women gather in groups with friends and family to observe the fast together, sharing their experiences and devotion.
Karwa Chauth Puja (Evening Rituals)
In the evening, the Karwa Chauth Puja begins with prayers and Katha (story) recitation. This is typically done in a community setting or at home with the family. The woman observes the fast by lighting a diya (lamp) and placing it along with Karwa (clay pot) on a plate. The Karwa symbolizes prosperity and the well-being of the husband.
The Karwa Chauth Katha is then recited, which tells the story of Veeravati, a woman who fasted for her husband’s life. It is a symbolic tale of devotion, loyalty, and love that sets the tone for the rest of the puja.
The moon Sighting and Breaking the Fast
The fast is broken only after the moon is sighted. When the moon rises, the woman looks at it through a sieve, followed by gazing at her husband, symbolizing the blessings for their long life. The husband then offers her water and food, which she consumes to break the fast.
3. The Karwa Chauth Katha
The Karwa Chauth Katha is the traditional story that is recited during the puja. It is centered around the sacrificial love of a wife for her husband. Here is a simplified version of the story:
· Veeravati, a devoted wife, fasted for the well-being of her husband. She was tricked into breaking her fast by her brothers, who made her believe that her husband had died. Later, she discovered that her husband was alive, and she resumed her fast, seeking forgiveness from Lord shiva for breaking it.
· Lord Shiva, impressed by her dedication and love, blessed her with her husband’s long life, and her devotion became a symbol of marital strength and protection.
4. Karwa Chauth Vrat and Significance
The fast is observed not just for the long life of the husband, but also for strengthening the marital bond. The Karwa Chauth Vrat is considered extremely powerful in Hindu culture, bringing couples closer, enhancing their mutual love, and ensuring protection against untimely death.
The Karwa Chauth Puja is also a time to express gratitude and love for one’s husband and to seek divine blessings for their health and prosperity.
5. Karwa Chauth Tips
· Hydrate well: Before the fast begins, ensure that you hydrate well with water and juices during the Sargi meal.
· Prepare ahead: Keep all your puja items like Karwa, diya, and puja thali ready in advance.
· Wear traditional attire: It’s customary to wear red, orange, or pink clothing for the Karwa Chauth puja to symbolize love and prosperity.
· Stay positive: Karwa Chauth is a celebration of love and devotion. Focus on the positive energy and the spiritual connection with your spouse.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth is not just a fasting day; it is a day full of love, devotion, and spiritual bonding. Observing the Karwa Chauth puja, following the rituals, and reciting the Karwa Chauth Katha brings harmony, prosperity, and longevity to a marriage. The moonrise becomes a moment of deep connection and celebration, marking the end of the fast and the renewal of vows of love and devotion.
May this Karwa Chauth bring blessings of health, happiness, and a long life to your marriage!
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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