Karwa Chauth 2026 will be observed on October 29, with married women across Maharashtra fasting until moonrise to pray for their husbands’ well-being.
Karwa Chauth, a significant festival for married women, will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29, 2026. This day-long fast is observed by women across Maharashtra, who pray for the long life, good health, and prosperity of their husbands. The fast traditionally concludes with the sighting of the Moon, followed by prayers.
As moonrise timings vary by location, it is essential for women in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Thane to check their specific moonrise times before performing the evening rituals.
The festival is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, with women beginning their fast before sunrise. They perform puja in the evening and break their fast after sighting the Moon. The expected moonrise times for major cities in Maharashtra are as follows:
In Mumbai, the Moon is anticipated to rise at approximately 8:56 PM. Pune residents can expect the Moon to rise around 8:53 PM, while in Nagpur, the expected time is around 8:27 PM. For Nashik, Thane, and other areas, it is advisable to consult local Panchang for precise timings.
Women in Mumbai City can expect the Moon to rise around 8:56 PM, although slight variations may occur based on specific locations and local Panchang calculations. In the Mumbai Suburban District, including areas like Andheri and Borivali, the expected moonrise time remains around 8:56 PM.
In Thane District, women should also check their city-specific moonrise times, which are expected to be around 8:56 PM. Residents of Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg should verify their local moonrise timings through a reliable Panchang.
In Pune District, the Moon is expected to rise at approximately 8:53 PM, while women in Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur should consult local Panchang for their specific timings. For Nashik District, women are advised to check local sources for the expected moonrise time, as it may vary in nearby towns.
The Chaturthi Tithi, which is crucial for observing Karwa Chauth, is expected to begin at around 1:06 AM on October 29, 2026, and end at approximately 10:09 PM on the same day. Women traditionally complete their fast after sighting the Moon and performing the customary rituals.
The evening puja muhurat varies by city, and women in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and other parts of Maharashtra should refer to their local Panchang for precise puja timings. The evening puja is generally performed before moonrise, allowing devotees to complete their rituals and wait for the Moon.
Karwa Chauth is celebrated primarily by married women, who fast from sunrise until the Moon is sighted, praying for their husbands’ health and prosperity. The festival is marked by traditional clothing, mehendi, decorated puja thalis, family gatherings, and the recitation of the Karwa Chauth vrat katha. Customs may vary between families and communities.
As the Moon’s appearance signifies the conclusion of the Karwa Chauth fast, women across Maharashtra eagerly await its sighting. It is important to note that moonrise timings may differ between cities, and factors such as buildings, hills, and cloudy weather can delay the actual sighting even after the predicted time.
The fast traditionally begins before sunrise after having Sargi, a pre-dawn meal, and continues until the Moon is sighted at night. Approximate fasting timings for selected cities include:
In Mumbai, the fast lasts until approximately 8:56 PM, while in Pune, it extends to around 8:53 PM. In Nagpur, the fasting period concludes at approximately 8:27 PM. These timings may vary due to local differences in sunrise and moonrise.
Devotees are encouraged to find a clear view of the sky from open terraces, balconies, or courtyards to sight the Moon. In urban areas like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, tall buildings may obstruct the view, so selecting an open spot is advisable. If clouds hinder immediate visibility, devotees may need to wait until the Moon appears.
After sighting the Moon, women traditionally offer Arghya, usually water, and pray for their husbands’ well-being. They may then look at the Moon and their husbands through a sieve, perform aarti, and receive water or food to complete the fast. The order of these rituals can vary based on family and regional traditions.
To perform Karwa Chauth puja at home, women can follow these traditional steps:
Wake up before sunrise and have Sargi according to family customs. Take a bath and wear clean or festive clothes. Prepare the puja thali with a diya, kumkum, flowers, sweets, a sieve, and a karwa filled with water. Worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Karwa Chauth Mata. Listen to or recite the Karwa Chauth vrat katha. Wait for the Moon to rise and become visible. Offer Arghya to the Moon, perform the customary rituals, and break the fast.
As Karwa Chauth approaches, women across Maharashtra prepare for this cherished festival, ensuring they confirm moonrise timings and follow their family traditions. For accurate timings and rituals, it is always best to consult a local Panchang.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the moonrise, fasting, and puja timings are approximate and may vary by location and Panchang. It is advisable to confirm the timings for your city before performing the rituals.