Key Ritual Timings for 2025
For 2025, the Karwa Chauth 2025 puja muhurat is set between 06:19 PM and 07:33 PM, a span of about 1 hour 13 minutes. The official fasting window – known as Upavasa Time – begins at 06:31 AM and ends at 08:55 PM, lasting roughly 14 hours 24 minutes. The most auspicious slot for reciting the Karwa Chauth Katha and performing the evening puja is 6:04 PM to 7:16 PM, just before the moon rises.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Chaturthi Tithi starts at 10:54 PM on October 9 and concludes at 07:38 PM on October 10. Moonrise, which signals the end of the fast, is expected at 8:55 PM local time. In regions outside India, the timings are adjusted for local time zones, ensuring that diaspora families can observe the rituals synchronously.
How the Festival is Celebrated Today
The day kicks off before sunrise, when women prepare a special pre‑fast meal called sargi, packed with nuts, fruits, and sweets to sustain them through the day. Throughout the morning, they engage in prayers, apply henna (mehndi) on their hands, and adorn themselves in vibrant saris or lehengas, often accessorized with traditional jewellery.
As the sun climbs, married women gather in community halls or at home, where elders narrate the Karwa Chauth Katha—a story of love, devotion, and divine blessing. The narrative is usually accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and the glow of oil lamps, creating a solemn yet festive atmosphere.
When evening approaches, the women sit in a circle, each holding a sieve or a small bowl to view the moon. They chant prayers to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, seeking protection and longevity for their spouses. The ritual of looking at the moon through the sieve before turning to their husbands symbolizes the transition from spiritual devotion to personal affection.
Once the moon is sighted, the husband offers the first sip of water and a bite of sweet fruit to his wife, officially breaking the fast. The moment is often captured in family photographs, underscoring the blend of tradition and modernity.
In recent years, the festival’s scope has widened. Unmarried women and even teenage girls now observe a modified version of the fast, hoping to attract a suitable partner. Their fast ends at the sighting of the pole star rather than the moon, reflecting a subtle shift while preserving the core sentiment of devotion.
Across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries with sizable Indian populations, community centres organize collective pujas, virtual Katha sessions, and cultural performances. These events help younger generations stay connected to their heritage while accommodating busy schedules and varying time zones.
Beyond the religious aspects, Karwa Chauth serves as a social glue. Families gather for elaborate meals, share stories, and reinforce marital bonds. The day’s rituals—fasting, prayer, and the eventual breaking of the fast—act as a public affirmation of love and commitment, resonating deeply in an era of rapid cultural change.
