Karwa Chauth 2024: Puja Muhurat, Vidhi, and Mantras

Karwa Chauth, a festival celebrated with deep devotion by married women, will be celebrated on Sunday, October 17, 2024. It is a day marked by fasting, prayers, and rituals, where women pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands and families. While popular culture, including films and television, has certainly helped highlight the significance of this festival, its roots lie deep in religious texts and traditions.

In ancient Hindu scriptures like Dharmasindhu, Nirnayasindhu, and Vratraj, Karwa Chauth is referred to as Karak Chaturthi. The name "Karak" or "Karwa" is derived from the small pitcher used during the puja, which is later given in charity for the welfare of the family. Traditionally, Karwa Chauth is celebrated only by women, and the fast is meant for the longevity and health of not just the husband, but also the sons, grandsons, and the prosperity of the household.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Puja Muhurat

Karwa Chauth 2024 Date: Karva Chauth Moon Sighting Time and Puja Muhurat

Karwa Chauth 2024: Rituals and Significance

Karwa Chauth coincides with Sankashti Chaturthi, a day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. However, the main deities worshipped during Karwa Chauth are Lord Shiva and His family, including Goddess Parvati, Lord Kartikeya, and Lord Ganesha. Special significance is given to Goddess Parvati, who embodies the ideal of eternal marital bliss (Akhand Saubhagyavati). Women also worship Chauth Mata and Gaura Mata, both representations of Goddess Parvati.

• Sankalp (The Vow)

On the day of Karwa Chauth, after taking a morning bath, women perform the Sankalp, a pledge to observe the fast for the well-being of their husbands and families. This vow is made with the commitment of fasting without food or water until the moonrise. The mantra recited during the Sankalp is:

मम सुखसौभाग्य पुत्रपौत्रादि सुस्थिर श्री प्राप्तये करक चतुर्थी व्रतमहं करिष्ये।

Translation: I will observe Karak Chaturthi Vrat for the health, prosperity, and longevity of my husband, sons, and grandsons.

Karwa Chauth 2024: Why Married Women Pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on This Day

Karwa Chauth 2024: Puja Vidhi

The best time to perform Karwa Chauth Puja is during the Sandhya time, which begins after sunset. Women gather together for the puja, which is primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati. They either draw an image of Goddess Gaura (another form of Parvati) or use a printed Karwa Chauth calendar with Her image. During the puja, women recite the following mantra:

नमः शिवायै शर्वाण्यै सौभाग्यं संतति शुभाम्। प्रयच्छ भक्तियुक्तानां नारीणां हरवल्लभे॥

Translation: O beloved consort of Lord Shiva, grant long life to the husbands of your devotees and bless them with beautiful children.

After worshipping Goddess Parvati, the women also offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya.

• Karwa Charity (Dan)

Following the puja, the Karwa, a pitcher filled with water or milk, is offered as charity. Women drop precious stones or coins into the Karwa and donate it to a Brahmin or a married woman (Suhagan). While giving the Karwa, they chant:

करकं क्षीरसम्पूर्णा तोयपूर्णमथापि वा। ददामि रत्नसंयुक्तं चिरञ्जीवतु मे पतिः॥

Translation: “O pitcher filled with milk and precious stones; I donate you for the long life of my husband.”

• Worshipping the Moon

The fast is concluded only after sighting and offering prayers to the Moon. Once the Moon rises, women make offerings to the Moon God and then break their fast by drinking water and eating food, often offered by their husbands.

Why is the Moon Worshipped on Karwa Chauth? Know the Significance of Chandra Puja

Karwa Chauth 2024 is a day filled with love, devotion, and prayers for the well-being of one’s family. Rooted in tradition, the rituals observed on this day, from the early morning Sankalp to the evening Puja and moon worship, form a beautiful tapestry of faith and dedication. While its popularity may have been amplified by films, the essence of Karwa Chauth remains deeply spiritual, focusing on the strength and blessings of familial bonds.

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