Karwa Chauth 2026 is today, Thursday, October 29, 2026, on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi tithi of the Kartik month. This is when married women observe a fast to pray for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands. According to Drik Panchang, the Chaturthi tithi begins at 1:06 AM and ends at 10:09 PM on October 29. The tithi is present at both sunrise and moonrise, so October 29 is the Karwa Chauth vrat date in India.
The Karwa Chauth puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM. This falls in the evening Pradosh Kaal, after sunset and before moonrise. It is the time designated for the Karwa Mata puja and the vrat katha, using the traditional puja thali and karwa.
The muhurat shifts with local sunset, so it is different in every city. For example, third-party panchang listings that cross-check Drik, show these evening windows:
Chandigarh: 5:38 PM to 6:55 PM
Jaipur: 5:46 PM to 7:03 PM
Lucknow: 5:26 PM to 6:43 PM
Patna: 5:10 PM to 6:27 PM
Kolkata: 5:01 PM to 6:17 PM
Bhopal: 5:44 PM to 7:00 PM
The fast starts at sunrise. In New Delhi, sunrise is expected at 6:31 AM, and the fast continues until the Moon is sighted. Drik Panchang lists the expected moonrise in New Delhi at 8:17 PM, so the fast lasts approximately 13 hours and 46 minutes in Delhi. This duration is specific to Delhi and will differ elsewhere.
Moonrise is clocked differently across India, so break the fast according to your local time rather than a single national timing. The likely moonrise times are:
Kolkata: 7:47 PM
Lucknow: 8:06 PM
New Delhi: 8:17 PM
Hyderabad: 8:41 PM
Bengaluru: 8:55 PM
Pune: 8:58 PM
Mumbai: 9:00 PM
Other cities, from the same third-party listings: Patna 7:52 PM, Chandigarh 8:12 PM, Jaipur 8:28 PM and Bhopal 8:31 PM.
Local timing alert: Kolkata sees the Moon more than an hour before Mumbai. Never copy a nearby city’s time. Look up your exact city on Drik Panchang.
Weather, haze and nearby buildings can hinder the visible sighting of the Moon.
If the Moon is not visible, many families break the fast after the official moonrise time has passed. Practice varies by family and region, so check with your elders or family priest.
Source: Drik Panchang. Panchang timings can differ slightly between sources, so check a local panchang or your family priest.
Sankalp: in the morning, after sargi, take the resolve to keep the fast.
Daytime: observe the fast and prepare the puja thali.
Set up the puja: arrange the thali and karwa and place the image of Karwa Mata.
Katha: gather and read or listen to the Karwa Chauth vrat katha.
Puja in the muhurat: perform the puja between 5:38 PM and 6:56 PM in New Delhi, or your city’s timing.
Exchange karwas: women pass the karwas among themselves (the baina or pheri ritual).
Moonrise: offer arghya (water) to the Moon.
Chhalni: view the Moon through a sieve, then look at your husband through it.
Breaking the fast: the husband offers the first sip of water and the first bite.
After a full-day fast, be aware of the health risks. Take digestible food before a heavier meal.
First: water or coconut water, following the Moon sighting.
Next: a small portion of fruit or dates.
Then: a regular meal, in moderate portions.
Avoid at first: fried food, heavy sweets and large meals.
Health note: Women with health complications should consider a modified fast. Consult a healthcare professional beforehand if necessary.
What if I accidentally break the fast?
Ask your elders or family priest for guidance on what to do according to tradition. If you feel unwell during the fast, it is important you look after your health.
Can I drink water during the fast?
The traditional fast specifies nirjala (no food or water) from sunrise to moonrise. Some families follow a modified fast, especially for health reasons. Follow your family’s practice and consult your doctor if you have health concerns.
Where can I check my city’s moonrise time?
Drik Panchang has city-wise pages for Karwa Chauth. Select your city and confirm the date and time zone shown. You can also ask a local priest or check a local panchang.
What happens if the Moon isn't visible because of clouds?
Many families break the fast after the official moonrise time has passed. Practice varies, so check with your elders or family priest.