Oct 14,2024
Karva Chauth holds special significance in Hinduism as a festival where married women observe a strict fast, known as Nirjala (without water), for their husband’s long life and well-being. This fast is typically broken after moonrise, when women offer Arghya (a ritual offering of water) to the moon, symbolising the completion of their prayers.
According to astrologer Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal of Deoghar, Karva Chauth is celebrated annually on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik. This year, Karva Chauth will be celebrated on October 20. While the day coincides with the presence of Bhadra, an inauspicious time, it will end at 6:46 am, meaning Bhadra’s influence will not affect the fast.
During Karva Chauth, women worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Karva, with offerings and prayers for a happy, prosperous married life. The fast is undertaken with deep discipline, as it is believed to strengthen family bonds and bring harmony to the relationship between husband and wife.
The Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik will begin at 6:12 am on October 20, and end at 5:23 am on October 21. Based on the Hindu practice of following the Udayatithi, the tithi at sunrise, the Nirjala fast for Karva Chauth will be observed on October 20.
This year, Karva Chauth coincides with Rohini Nakshatra and the auspicious Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, which enhances its significance. These favourable celestial alignments make the observance of the Chaturthi Tithi even more special, adding further blessings to the rituals and fast. Married women observing the fast on this day are believed to gain additional benefits for their husband’s long life and prosperity, as well as overall family well-being.
Astrologer Aarti Kumar said that the Nirjala fast of Karva Chauth is kept on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. The fast is broken only after offering water to the moon on this day. The moon is going to rise at 8:15 pm on this year’s Karva Chauth. The fast can be broken after offering water to the moon after 8:15 pm on this day.