Karva Chauth, one of the most awaited festivals for married women in North India, it will be celebrated on Sunday, October 20, 2024. This auspicious occasion falls on the fourth day after the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Kartik according to the Purnimant calendar. In the Amanta calendar followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and southern India, Karva Chauth falls in the month of Ashwin. Despite the differing names for the month, Karva Chauth is celebrated on the same day throughout India.
Karva Chauth 2024: Date, Time and Muhurat
| Event | Day/Date |
| Karwa Chauth | Sunday, October 20, 2024 |
| Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat | 05:46 PM to 07:02 PM |
| Karwa Chauth Upavasa Time | 06:25 AM to 07:54 PM |
| Moonrise on Karwa Chauth Day | 07:54 PM |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | 06:46 AM on Oct 20, 2024 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | 04:16 AM on Oct 21, 2024 |
Karva Chauth, also referred to as Karak Chaturthi, has deep-rooted cultural and religious significance. The word "Karva" or "Karak" denotes a clay pot, which plays a crucial role in the evening Puja ceremony. Women use the pot to make water offerings, known as Argha, to the moon. The Karva is later given as Dan (charity) to a Brahmin or an eligible woman.
The day begins early, with women consuming a pre-dawn meal called Sargi. Traditionally, Sargi is prepared and gifted by the mother-in-law and includes fruits, sweets, and savouries that provide the necessary nourishment to sustain the day-long fast. After this meal, the fast is observed with great dedication, without even a sip of water until the moon is sighted.
In the evening, women dress in traditional attire, usually in shades of red or vibrant colours, symbolising marital bliss. They adorn themselves with jewellery and mehendi, and gather with other married women for the evening Puja. Together, they sit in a circle, exchanging stories and singing folk songs dedicated to Karva Chauth.
Karva Chauth 2024: Significance
Karva Chauth is a special fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands. The day is dedicated to strengthening the marital bond, as women abstain from food and water from sunrise until they see the moon in the night sky. This rigorous fast, known as nirjala vrat, is a testament to the devotion and love wives have for their spouses.
The day also coincides with Sankashti Chaturthi, a fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Hence, during Karva Chauth Puja, married women worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya to seek blessings for their husbands' longevity and happiness.
Karva Chauth 2024: Breaking the Fast
The fast is broken only after the moon is sighted. Women view the moon through a sieve and then look at their husband’s face through the same sieve. This ritual signifies that their husband is their universe, and they pray for his long life and well-being. After making the water offering (Argha) to the moon, the husband offers the first sip of water and a morsel of food to his wife, symbolising their mutual love and commitment.
Karva Chauth’s Popularity and Regional Variations
While Karva Chauth is immensely popular in North Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, it is less prominent in the southern parts of India. The significance and rituals of the festival, however, remain the same, emphasising devotion, love, and the sanctity of the marital bond.
Four days after Karva Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami is observed, where mothers pray for the well-being and long life of their sons. This sequence of festivals reflects the strong family values and traditions that form the core of Indian culture.
Karva Chauth is more than just a fasting ritual—it is a celebration of love, sacrifice, and the sacred bond of marriage. With its rich cultural heritage and meaningful rituals, it continues to be cherished by married women across generations. As you prepare for Karva Chauth 2024, may the divine blessings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva bring joy, prosperity, and good health to your married life.
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