Karwa Chauth, a cherished festival for married Hindu women, is observed with devotion and love. It is a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and rituals, all aimed at ensuring the longevity and prosperity of husbands. This year, Karwa Chauth will take place on October 20, 2024. The fast, which begins at sunrise, ends at moonrise, making moonrise timings crucial across different cities. Below is an in-depth look at Karwa Chauth moonrise timings for 2024, along with a step-by-step guide on how to break the fast.
What is Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by married women across India, dedicated to the long life and well-being of their husbands. Observed during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Kartik, women fast from sunrise until they see the moon. This year, Karwa Chauth falls on a Sunday, October 20, 2024. The day is packed with rituals, prayers, and family celebrations, symbolizing the love and dedication a wife has for her husband.
Moonrise Timing for Karwa Chauth 2024
The timing of moonrise is crucial for those fasting, as the fast can only be broken after seeing the moon. Since the moonrise timing varies by location due to geographical differences, it’s essential to know the specific time in your city.
City-Wise Moonrise Timings for Karwa Chauth 2024:
- Kanpur: 7:47 PM
- Dehradun: 7:46 PM
- Jaipur: 8:05 PM
- Ahmedabad: 8:28 PM
- Kolkata: 7:24 PM
- Mumbai: 8:37 PM
- Bengaluru: 8:32 PM
- Chennai: 8:20 PM
- Hyderabad: 8:18 PM
- New Delhi: 8:15 PM
- Noida: 8:14 PM
Women observing the fast should be aware of the moonrise time in their respective locations, as this marks the conclusion of the fast and the beginning of the final rituals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking the Karwa Chauth Fast
Breaking the fast is a deeply symbolic act, filled with traditional rituals and prayers. Below is a step-by-step process that outlines how the Karwa Chauth fast is traditionally broken:
1. Pre-Dawn Meal – Sargi
The day begins early with a meal called Sargi, traditionally prepared by the mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law. This meal includes fruits, sweets, and other nourishing items, consumed before sunrise. After eating Sargi, the fast officially begins, and no food or water is consumed until moonrise.
2. Fasting and Prayer Throughout the Day
After the Sargi, women abstain from food and water for the rest of the day. Many choose to wear traditional attire, often in auspicious colors like red, maroon, or pink. Jewelry and mehendi (henna) are also common elements, reflecting the festive mood. Throughout the day, prayers are offered for the health and long life of their husbands.
3. Karwa Chauth Puja
In the evening, the Karwa Chauth Puja is performed, either in groups or within families. The puja involves offering prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, using an earthen pot known as Karwa, which is filled with water and symbolizes prosperity. A key part of the puja is the narration of the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, a story that reinforces the devotion and commitment of married women.
4. Waiting for the Moonrise
After the puja, women eagerly await the moonrise. They typically gather with family members on terraces or open areas where the moon is visible. During this time, women prepare for the final rituals by holding a sieve or chalni, ready to view the moon through it.
5. Viewing the Moon Through a Sieve
Once the moon is visible, women begin the ritual by looking at it through the sieve. They then look at their husbands through the same sieve, which symbolizes filtering out negative energy and inviting blessings for a long and prosperous married life. The moon is also offered water, known as Arghya, as a mark of respect.
6. Breaking the Fast
After the moon rituals, the husband gives his wife the first sip of water and a bite of food, marking the official breaking of the fast. This gesture is symbolic of love and gratitude. Following this, couples often enjoy a special meal together, which includes traditional sweets and delicacies prepared for the occasion.
7. Post-Fast Celebrations
After breaking the fast, families come together to celebrate. It’s a joyous occasion filled with blessings, gift exchanges, and heartfelt moments shared between husband and wife. The end of the fast signifies not only the conclusion of a day of devotion but also the reaffirmation of the deep bond between partners.
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is much more than a fasting ritual; it is a celebration of love, faith, and the enduring bond between a married couple. For married Hindu women, the day is an opportunity to demonstrate their devotion, symbolizing the strength and longevity of their marriage. The fast serves as a reminder of the selflessness and dedication required in a strong relationship.
Over the years, Karwa Chauth has also evolved into a day for families to come together, strengthening relationships not just between husband and wife, but also within the wider family circle. The exchange of gifts, blessings, and shared meals reflects the values of love and togetherness that are at the heart of the festival.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth 2024 promises to be a night filled with devotion, joy, and familial togetherness. With well-timed moonrise predictions, women across India will break their fasts after a day of heartfelt prayers and traditional rituals. The festival continues to hold deep spiritual meaning, uniting families and celebrating the sacred bond between husband and wife.
Wishing everyone observing Karwa Chauth 2024 a joyous and blessed day filled with love and togetherness!
