Karva Chauth Moon Rise Time: Karva Chauth Muhurat Timing, Puja Vidhi and Vrat

Know the date, timings and rituals of Karva Chauth this year. (Source: File Photo)

Karva Chauth or Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival, which is traditionally celebrated by married women. The festival falls on the fourth day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar. ‘Karva’ means earthen pots used to store wheat and ‘chauth’ means the fourth day. On this day, married women and those reaching the marriageable age fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the safety and longevity of their husbands, fiancés or desired husbands. In India, states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh observe the festival devotedly.

Women observe rigorous fasting on this day, without even drinking a glass of water after sunrise. It is only when the moon rises that they eat something to break their fast. During this time, men are generally expected to feed the first bite of food to their wives.

Women dress in bright and colourful ethnic wear, similar to bridal wear and apply beautiful intricate mehendi designs on their hands while they wait for the moon to rise. People in North India believe that it is essential for the women to cover their head/face in front of the elders, so as an act of respect to the Karva Chauth moon they look at it through a sieve. Most importantly, they filter out the harmful rays and seek blessings of only happiness and goodness in life.

RITUALS

It is an important part of the rituals to offer prayers to the moon after the moonrise, before breaking the fast. God Shiva, Ganesha, Karthikeya and goddess Parvati are worshipped at this time. After this, the women offer earthen pots (karwa) containing rice, urad dal to their mother-in-laws.

But keeping a fast during Karva Chauth is not an easy task.  Especially, if you’re pregnant, then you need to take extra care so as not to fall ill or adversely impact the child. For those who will be keeping the fast, here’s what you can do:

A complete no-food, no-water fast is generally recommended. You could start your day with sergi and a big glass of milk. Since your body needs continuous energy so eat fruits and fruit juices every 2 hours. Hydration is a must, hence opt for coconut water. Avoid high-calorie, fat-rich foods with excess sugar and salt to break your fast to keep problems such as gestational diabetes at bay.

MUHURAT

To be held on October 8 this year, the Puja Muhurat starts at 05:55 pm and ends at 07:09 pm, which means a duration of 1 hour 14 minutes. In New Delhi, the moon is expected to rise at 08:09 pm. The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 04:58 pm on the same day and will continue till 02:16 pm (October 9).

Have a wonderful Karva Chauth!