Karva Chauth 2018: Tithi, Vidhi and Puja Timings

Mumbai: Dressed in their best traditional ensemble, married women in India will observe a day-long fast on October 27 to celebrate Karva Chauth and breaking their vrata after sighting the moon. A woman dedicates the auspicious day to pray for the well-being of her husband.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Karva Chauth Tithi is observed during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Kartik. 

Women in the family and neighbourhood gather together to start Karva Chauth rituals in the morning and eat traditional recipes specifically prepared on the day of the festival before sunrise.  The fasting period starts after sunrise. Women then take part in various traditional activities and prayers and listen to the Karva Chauth Katha.

According to Drikpanchang.com, the Tithi starts at 6:37 PM on October 27 and ends at 4:54 PM on the following day.

The moon is expected to rise at about 8.00 PM and the Puja muhurat is between 5:36 to 6:54 PM on Saturday.

Karva Chauth Puja Vidhi

Karva is actually a pitcher filled with water or milk and coins that are used by the women during the festival. It is later given as charity for the well-being of the family and future generations.

On this occasion, Goddess Parvati, who is known as Akhanda Saubhagyavati is worshipped. Women also worship her husband Lord Shiva and their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya on this day.

A woman seeks blessings from the supreme powers to less her as she observes a nirjal vrat ( since she doesn’t even drink water) until she offers her prayers to the moon god in the evening.

"मम सुखसौभाग्य पुत्रपौत्रादि सुस्थिर श्री प्राप्तये करक चतुर्थी व्रतमहं करिष्ये।"

Meaning – Bless me as I observe this fast for the well-being of my family, wealth and prosperity.

After offering her prayers, the Karva is donated.

Then, the married woman catches a glimpse of the moon through a sieve with a diya placed on it. Then she looks at her husband through the sieve. Her husband helps her break her fast by making her drink water and offering her sweets.