Karwa Chauth 2026 falls on Wednesday, 28 October. It is observed on the fourth day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik, about ten days before Diwali. Married women, and in some families unmarried women too, keep a fast from sunrise until the moon is seen, praying for the well-being of their husbands.
The date is easy. The timings are the tricky part, because moonrise happens at a different time in every city. This guide explains how to plan your day without relying on a single number from the internet.
Karwa Chauth 2026 at a glance
| Detail | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 28 October 2026 |
| Tithi | Chaturthi of Kartik Krishna Paksha |
| Evening puja | Roughly 5:40 PM to 7:00 PM in popular Panchang listings (varies by city) |
| Moonrise | Around 8 PM in many north Indian cities; check your own city |
| Fast type | Nirjala (without food or water) in most traditions |
The puja window and moonrise numbers above come from popular Panchang listings and should be treated as a rough guide. Moonrise can differ by 20 to 40 minutes between, say, Delhi and Mumbai, and cloud cover can delay when you actually see the moon.
What is sargi?
Sargi is the pre-dawn meal that a married woman traditionally receives from her mother-in-law and eats before sunrise, before the fast begins. It usually includes fruits, dry fruits, sweets, mathri or other light foods, and a drink. Since the fast is long, many people choose foods that release energy slowly, such as dates, nuts, fruit, milk, curd and whole-grain items, and keep a good amount of water or coconut water for the pre-dawn hour.
Puja vidhi: a simple step-by-step
- Wake before sunrise, eat sargi, drink water and take a bath. The fast begins at sunrise.
- Dress as per your family's custom, often in red or other festive colours, with shringar.
- In the afternoon or early evening, sit with other women of the family or neighbourhood for the Karwa Chauth katha, the story that explains the origin of the vrat.
- Arrange the puja thali: a decorated karwa (earthen pot) with water, diya, roli, rice, sweets, a sieve (chhalni) and a lota of water.
- Perform the puja during the evening window. Many families exchange karwas between married women, called "baya".
- When the moon rises, look at it through the sieve, then look at your husband through the same sieve.
- Offer arghya (water) to the moon, then the husband offers water and the first morsel to break the fast.
Customs vary widely. Some families do not use a sieve, some break the fast with the moon alone, and in some communities the fast is observed with water. Follow what your own family does.
Fasting health tips
- If you have diabetes, low blood pressure, kidney problems, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before keeping a waterless fast. Many people in these situations keep a fast with fruit or water, which is considered acceptable in many traditions.
- Drink enough water the day before and do not skip sargi.
- Avoid heavy physical work or long exposure to the sun during the day.
- Break the fast gently with water, a fruit or a little sweet before a full meal. A large oily meal on an empty stomach often causes discomfort.
- If you feel dizzy, faint or unwell, stop the fast and drink fluids. Health comes first.
Shopping and planning checklist
- Karwa (earthen or brass pot), diya, cotton wicks and a sieve
- Roli, rice, sweets and flowers
- Outfit, bangles and mehendi: book a mehendi artist early, since the days before Karwa Chauth are among the busiest of the year
- Sargi ingredients, purchased the day before
Frequently asked questions
When is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
What time is moonrise on Karwa Chauth?
It depends on your city. Many listings show about 8 PM for north Indian cities. Check a local moonrise table on the day.
Can water be taken during the fast?
In the traditional nirjala fast, no. Many women now keep a fast with water or fruit for health reasons, and families differ on this.
Can unmarried women keep the fast?
Customs vary. In some families unmarried women keep it for a future partner, while others do not.
How many days after Karwa Chauth is Diwali?
Diwali is on 8 November 2026, which is about ten days later. See our Diwali 2026 calendar.
Sources to verify
- Drik Panchang: city-wise moonrise and puja timings
- WHO nutrition guidance for general fasting and hydration advice
Traditions differ by family and region. This is general information, and health advice should come from your doctor.
