Karwa Chauth 2026 falls on Thursday, October 29. It is a one-day Hindu festival observed by married women in northern and western India — primarily in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. The fast begins before sunrise (at sargi) and breaks after moonrise, when the woman sights the moon through a sieve and drinks water offered by her husband.
When Is Karwa Chauth 2026?
Karwa Chauth 2026 is on Thursday, October 29, 2026. It falls on the fourth day after the full moon (Chaturthi) in the Hindu month of Kartik. Moonrise time varies by city — in Delhi it will be approximately 8:15 PM, in Mumbai approximately 8:40 PM, and in Chandigarh approximately 8:10 PM. Check a local calendar for the exact moonrise time in your city.
What Is the Significance of Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is observed by married Hindu women as a fast for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The word karwa means an earthen pot used during the rituals, and chauth means the fourth day. The fast is nirjala — without water — from before sunrise until the moon is sighted after sunset.
The festival has deep cultural significance in northern India and is particularly associated with the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, though it is now observed widely across India by women of various backgrounds.
What Happens on Karwa Chauth?
The day has a specific structure. Before sunrise, the woman eats sargi — a pre-fast meal prepared or gifted by her mother-in-law. This typically includes fruits, sweets, and light foods that will sustain her through the day. After sargi, the fast begins and no food or water is consumed until the moon is sighted.
In the evening, women gather in groups for the puja ritual, dressed in their finest clothes — traditionally red or pink, though jewel tones are increasingly common. They carry a thali (plate) with diyas, karwa, sweets, and henna. After the puja, the women sight the moon through a sieve and break their fast.
What Do Women Wear for Karwa Chauth?
Red is the most traditional colour for Karwa Chauth — it is auspicious and strongly associated with the festival. Deep pink (magenta), coral, and warm orange are also widely worn. Increasingly, women in metropolitan areas choose jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and royal blue, particularly when wearing contemporary Indian silhouettes rather than sarees.
The most traditional dress is a red saree or lehenga with heavy jewellery. Contemporary choices include anarkali suits, festive co-ord sets, and cape sets in jewel tones. The key is that the outfit is festive and occasion-appropriate — the specific silhouette is less important than the colour and finish.
Which States Observe Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is most prominently observed in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. It is also celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and among northern Indian diaspora communities across India and internationally. The festival is not traditionally observed in South India, though it has become more widespread through media and cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Karwa Chauth 2026?
Karwa Chauth 2026 is on Thursday, October 29, 2026. It falls on the Chaturthi (fourth day) after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. The fast ends after moonrise, which varies by city — approximately 8:10 PM to 8:40 PM across north India.
What is Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is a one-day Hindu festival observed by married women in northern India. Women fast from before sunrise until after moonrise as a ritual for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The fast is nirjala (without water or food) and ends when the woman sights the moon through a sieve.
What is sargi in Karwa Chauth?
Sargi is the pre-fast meal eaten by women before sunrise on Karwa Chauth, traditionally prepared or gifted by the mother-in-law. It includes fruits, sweets, coconut, and light foods that are meant to sustain the woman through the day-long fast. After eating sargi, no food or water is consumed until the moon is sighted.
What colour should I wear for Karwa Chauth?
Red is the most traditional and commonly worn colour for Karwa Chauth. Deep pink (magenta), coral, bright orange, and jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, and royal blue are also popular choices, especially among women wearing contemporary Indian silhouettes rather than traditional sarees or lehengas.