When Will Married Women Observe Karwa Chauth 2026? Check Moonrise Time in Your City

Introduction

Karwa Chauth is just around the corner, and married women across India are preparing for one of the most cherished festivals in the Hindu calendar. From arranging Sargi before sunrise to getting dressed in traditional attire and preparing the evening puja thali, the day is filled with excitement, devotion, and family traditions.

One question becomes especially important as the evening approaches: At what time will the moon rise in my city on Karwa Chauth?

The moonrise time matters because women who observe the traditional fast generally wait until the Moon is visible before offering prayers and breaking their fast. Since the Moon appears at different times in different cities, checking local timings in advance can help families plan their rituals.

Karwa Chauth 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, 29 October. The festival is also known as Karak Chaturthi and is traditionally observed by married women who pray for their husbands' long life, good health, and happiness.

Here is a complete guide to the festival date, city-wise moonrise timings, puja muhurat, fasting schedule, and important rituals for Karwa Chauth 2026.

When Will Married Women Observe Karwa Chauth in 2026?

Karwa Chauth will be observed on Thursday, 29 October 2026, across India.

The festival falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth day of the waning lunar phase. It is known as Kartik Krishna Chaturthi in the Purnimanta calendar followed in much of North India. In some regions that follow the Amanta calendar, the lunar month may be called Ashwin.

Here are the key details:

Festival: Karwa Chauth 2026

Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026

Tithi: Krishna Paksha Chaturthi

Other name: Karak Chaturthi

Puja deity: Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha

Moon worship: Chandra Dev, the Moon God

Main ritual: Fasting, evening puja, moon sighting, and offering arghya

The Chaturthi Tithi is expected to begin at approximately 1:06 AM on 29 October and end at approximately 10:09 PM the same day, according to the New Delhi Panchang.

Karwa Chauth 2026: Puja Muhurat and Fasting Timings

The evening puja is an important part of Karwa Chauth. Women traditionally worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha before waiting for the Moon to rise.

For New Delhi, the commonly published timings are:

These timings are for New Delhi and are provided as a reference. Puja and moonrise timings vary by location, so devotees should check a reliable local Panchang before performing the rituals.

Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Time in Your City

Moonrise is the most eagerly awaited moment of Karwa Chauth. Women observing the traditional fast generally wait to see the Moon, offer water, and complete the evening rituals.

Here are the expected moonrise times for major Indian cities on Thursday, 29 October 2026.

All times are approximate and in Indian Standard Time (IST). Timings are based on published city-wise Panchang information and may differ slightly by source. Check your city's local calendar for the final timing.

What Time Will the Moon Rise in Delhi?

In New Delhi, the expected moonrise on Karwa Chauth 2026 is around 8:17 PM on Thursday, 29 October.

The evening puja muhurat is approximately 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM. Women traditionally perform the puja during the prescribed window and wait until the Moon is visible to complete the moon-worship ritual.

What Time Will the Moon Rise in Jaipur?

In Jaipur, the expected moonrise is around 8:28 PM.

Women observing the fast should check their local Panchang and allow extra time if buildings, trees, haze, or clouds obstruct the view of the Moon.

What Time Will the Moon Rise in Mumbai?

In Mumbai, the expected moonrise is around 9:00 PM.

Since the Moon appears later in Mumbai than in several northern cities, families should plan their evening accordingly rather than relying on Delhi's timing.

Why Does Moonrise Time Differ From City to City?

The Moon rises at different times depending on a location's geographical position and the date. As a result, devotees in eastern India may see the Moon earlier than those in western India.

Local buildings, hills, haze, and cloud cover can also affect when the Moon becomes visible to the naked eye.

For this reason, checking a city-specific moonrise time is more useful than relying on a single nationwide timing.

Karwa Chauth Fasting: When Does the Fast Begin?

Traditionally, the Karwa Chauth fast begins before sunrise and continues until the Moon is sighted in the evening.

Women who follow the traditional Nirjala vrat abstain from both food and water during the fasting period. However, individual practices vary, and some people observe modified fasts according to their health and family customs.

In New Delhi, sunrise is expected at approximately 6:31 AM on 29 October 2026.

The traditional fasting schedule is therefore approximately 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM, depending on the actual moonrise and the observance followed.

When Should Sargi Be Eaten?

Sargi is the pre-dawn meal traditionally eaten before the fast begins. In many families, a mother-in-law prepares or gives Sargi to her daughter-in-law as a gesture of love and blessings.

Sargi may include fruits, nuts, sweets, parathas, curd, and other filling foods according to family tradition.

Women generally finish eating before sunrise. In New Delhi, that means completing Sargi before approximately 6:31 AM.

Those observing the fast should plan a nourishing pre-dawn meal and hydrate beforehand if their fasting practice permits it.

Health reminder: Fasting without food or water can be physically demanding. People with medical conditions, those taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and anyone advised against fasting should seek appropriate medical guidance and avoid putting their health at risk.

Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi

The evening puja brings family members together and is an important part of the festival.

Here is a simple outline of the traditional rituals.

1. Prepare the Puja Thali

Arrange a decorated thali with a diya, flowers, kumkum, rice grains, sweets, and other customary items.

Keep a decorated Karwa, or traditional pot, filled with water for the offering to the Moon God. A sieve is commonly used during the moon-sighting ritual.

2. Worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva

Light a diya and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped in many families.

Devotees pray for happiness, good health, harmony, and well-being in married life.

3. Listen to the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha

The traditional vrat katha is often read or narrated during the evening puja. Women may gather in groups with their decorated thalis and listen to the story together.

4. Perform the Aarti

Perform the aarti according to family tradition and offer prayers with devotion.

5. Wait for the Moon

After the puja, women wait for the Moon to become visible. The exact waiting time depends on their city and local conditions.

6. Offer Arghya and Break the Fast

Once the Moon is sighted, devotees traditionally offer water to Chandra Dev and pray for their husbands' well-being.

In many families, women look at the Moon through a sieve and then look at their husbands. The husband may offer water and food to help his wife break the fast.

The precise sequence varies across regions and households.

What Is the Significance of Karwa Chauth?

Karwa Chauth holds deep cultural and religious importance for many Hindu families, particularly in North India.

Prayers for Marital Well-Being

Traditionally, women observe the fast to pray for their husbands' long life, health, and happiness.

Worship of Goddess Parvati

Goddess Parvati represents devotion and the sacred bond between Shiva and Parvati. Devotees seek her blessings for peace and harmony in married life.

Family Traditions and Togetherness

Preparing Sargi, dressing in traditional clothes, applying mehendi, and participating in evening puja are customs passed down through generations.

A Celebration of Love and Commitment

For many couples, Karwa Chauth is an opportunity to express affection and gratitude. Some couples choose to observe the day together or support each other in their own way.

While the traditional fast is often observed by married women, the broader themes of care, commitment, and mutual respect can be meaningful to everyone.

What If the Moon Is Not Visible on Karwa Chauth?

Cloudy weather can sometimes prevent devotees from seeing the Moon at the expected time.

If this happens, check your local Panchang and follow the guidance of your family tradition or a trusted local priest. Avoid relying on an unrelated city's moonrise time as though it were exact for your location.

Some families may wait for the clouds to clear, while others follow established regional guidance for completing the ritual.

Because customs differ, there is no single procedure that every household follows in this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karwa Chauth 2026

1. When will married women observe Karwa Chauth in 2026?

Karwa Chauth will be observed on Thursday, 29 October 2026, across India.

2. What is the moonrise time for Karwa Chauth 2026 in Delhi?

The expected moonrise in New Delhi is around 8:17 PM on 29 October 2026.

3. What is the Karwa Chauth moonrise time in Jaipur?

The expected moonrise in Jaipur is around 8:28 PM. Check the local Panchang for any timing updates.

4. What is the puja muhurat for Karwa Chauth 2026?

The commonly published New Delhi puja muhurat is 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM on 29 October 2026. The timing differs by location.

5. When should women eat Sargi?

Sargi is traditionally eaten before sunrise on Karwa Chauth. In New Delhi, sunrise is approximately 6:31 AM on 29 October 2026.

6. When can the Karwa Chauth fast be broken?

According to the traditional practice, the fast is broken after the Moon is sighted and the customary prayers and offerings are completed.

7. Which gods are worshipped on Karwa Chauth?

Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha are commonly worshipped during the evening puja. Chandra Dev is honoured when the Moon rises.

8. What should women do if the Moon is hidden by clouds?

Check the local Panchang and follow your family's established practice or consult a trusted priest for guidance. Moonrise timings indicate the expected astronomical event, but visibility depends on local weather and surroundings.

Conclusion

Karwa Chauth 2026 will be observed on Thursday, 29 October, and the evening Moon will mark an important moment for women following the traditional fast.

The expected moonrise is around 8:17 PM in New Delhi, 8:28 PM in Jaipur, 8:06 PM in Lucknow, and 9:00 PM in Mumbai. Since timings vary across cities, checking your local Panchang before the festival can help you plan the evening rituals.

From Sargi before sunrise to the puja, vrat katha, and offering of arghya to the Moon, each custom reflects the faith and family traditions associated with Karwa Chauth.

Prepare your puja thali, confirm the timings for your city, and celebrate the occasion in a way that respects both your traditions and your well-being.

May Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva bless every family with happiness, good health, peace, and harmony.

Happy Karwa Chauth 2026!