Karwa Chauth 2025: Celebrating Love, Devotion and Marital Bonds Across India Today

The Essence and Spiritual Significance

Karwa Chauth is not merely a ritual but a profound expression of love and emotional commitment that highlights the virtues of patience, faith, and devotion. Observed during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Kartik, this festival sees married women observing a strict nirjala vrat (fast without food or water) from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the longevity, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands .

This year, the festival coincides with Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi, enhancing its spiritual significance. The union of these two auspicious observances is believed to remove obstacles from married life and bring harmony to relationships .

Traditionally inspired by the legend of Goddess Parvati who observed a strict fast to be united with Lord Shiva, Karwa Chauth sets an example of unwavering devotion. The festival also finds roots in the story of Karwa, a devoted wife who saved her husband from Yama, the god of death, through her sheer dedication and spiritual power .

Karwa Chauth 2025: Key Dates and Timings

The Chaturthi Tithi began on October 9 at 10:54 PM and concludes on October 10 at 7:38 PM . Here are the essential timings for today's observances:

· Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat: 5:57 PM to 7:11 PM (1 hour 14 minutes) 

· Upavasa (Fasting) Time: 6:19 AM to 8:13 PM 

· Moonrise Time: 8:13 PM (Delhi) 

City-Wise Moonrise Timings Across India

The breaking of the fast is contingent upon moonrise, which varies across different cities. Here are the anticipated moonrise timings for major Indian cities today :

City Moonrise Time City Moonrise Time

Delhi 8:13 PM Kolkata 7:42 PM

Mumbai 8:55 PM Chennai 8:38 PM

Ahmedabad 8:47 PM Hyderabad 8:36 PM

Bangalore 7:16 PM* Pune 8:52 PM

Chandigarh 8:09 PM Jaipur 8:23 PM

Lucknow 8:02 PM Patna 7:48 PM

Rituals and Traditions: From Sunrise to Moonrise

The day begins before sunrise with Sargi, a special pre-dawn meal traditionally prepared by mothers-in-law. This nutritious meal includes foods like fruits, dry fruits, coconut water, and light sweets designed to provide sustained energy throughout the day .

Once the sun rises, the strict nirjala fast begins, with women refraining from both food and water while maintaining inner calm and positivity. As evening approaches, women adorn themselves in traditional attire (often red or bright-colored) and apply mehendi, which symbolizes prosperity and marital bliss .

A central aspect of the celebration is Solah Shringar - the sixteen traditional adornments that include sindoor, mangalsutra, bangles, bindi, and other jewelry that symbolize marital status and invite blessings for Akhand Saubhagya (lifelong marital bliss) .

The evening gathering for puja is a community celebration where women worship Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gauri, and Chauth Mata, offering karwa (clay pots) and lighting diyas while listening to the Karwa Chauth Katha .

The fast concludes after moonrise, when women view the moon through a sieve or dupatta, then glance at their husbands through the same sieve before receiving the first sip of water and morsel of food from their spouses .

The Evolution of a Tradition: Karwa Chauth in Modern Times

While traditionally a women-centric observance, Karwa Chauth has beautifully adapted to contemporary values. Many husbands now choose to fast alongside their wives, transforming the festival into a celebration of mutual love, equality, and shared devotion .

The festival also sees participation from unmarried women who observe the fast in hopes of finding a loyal and loving partner, inspired by the legend of Goddess Parvati .

Essential Tips for Observing Karwa Chauth

· Pre-fast preparation: Begin with a high-protein Sargi including nuts, milk, and complex carbohydrates to maintain energy 

· Comfort during fast: Wear light, breathable fabrics like georgette or chiffon for comfort during long hours 

· Breaking the fast wisely: Start with water and light food like fruits or kheer before having a full meal 

· Avoid these mistakes: Steer clear of black or white outfits (opt for auspicious red or yellow), avoid caffeine and alcohol, and refrain from using sharp objects during the fast as per tradition 

Karwa Chauth 2025 continues to be a beautiful testament to the enduring power of love and commitment, blending ancient traditions with contemporary values. As the moon rises tonight across the Indian subcontinent, it will illuminate countless moments of reunion, gratitude, and celebration—a timeless tradition that continues to evolve while staying true to its spiritual roots.