Karwa Chauth is one of the most important festivals for married Hindu women. This festival is marked by a day-long fast which is observed by wives for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands. The festival typically falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik.
In this article we’ll learn about the important date, muhurtas and the significance of this Indian Festival.
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Karwa Chauth 2024 Date and Shubh Muhurat
| Karwa Chauth | Sunday, October 20, 2024 |
| Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat | 5:46 PM to 7:02 PM |
| Karva Chauth Upavasa Time | 06:25 AM to 07:54 PM |
| Moonrise on Karva Chauth Day | 07:54 PM |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | 06:46 AM on Oct 20, 2024 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | 04:16 AM on Oct 21, 2024 |
Significance of Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is a festival of deep significance, especially in North Indian cultures. It is not only a day of fasting but also a celebration of love, commitment, and marital bliss. The festival signifies the strong bond between husband and wife and the wife’s dedication towards her husband’s well-being.
1. Mythological Importance
Several mythological stories are associated with the origin of Karwa Chauth. One of the popular tales is of Queen Veeravati, who was the only sister among seven brothers. She observed a strict fast for her husband’s longevity. However, due to her extreme weakness, her brothers tricked her into believing that the moon had risen and urged her to break her fast. As soon as she ate, she received the tragic news of her husband’s severe illness. Devastated, she prayed to Goddess Parvati for forgiveness and mercy. Her devotion and prayers brought her husband back to life, and from that day onward, Karwa Chauth became a symbol of love, loyalty, and devotion.
2. Social and Cultural Relevance
In modern times, Karwa Chauth is a symbol of cultural heritage and a way to strengthen the marital bond. Women dress in their finest traditional attire, often wearing red or bright-colored sarees, adorned with jewelry and mehndi (henna). It is a day when families come together, sharing the rituals and reinforcing their relationships. Karwa Chauth has become a grand event, and many communities celebrate it with large gatherings and festivities.
3. Rituals and Customs
The day starts before sunrise with sargi, a pre-dawn meal prepared by the mother-in-law for her daughter-in-law. It typically includes fruits, sweets, and other items to keep energy levels up throughout the day. Women then observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water until moonrise.
In the evening, a Karwa Chauth puja is performed, where women pray to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. They sit in a circle, passing a Karwa (clay pot) filled with water, symbolizing good fortune. After sighting the moon through a sieve, the women offer water to the moon, pray for their husband’s well-being, and then break their fast.
Astrological Significance
Karwa Chauth falls on the day of the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Kartik month. Astrologically, the day is aligned with auspicious planetary positions that enhance the ritual’s significance. Worshiping the moon on this day is believed to strengthen the influence of Chandra (Moon), who represents emotions, mind, and health in astrology. It is believed that fasting on this day helps mitigate the ill effects of any malefic influence from the moon in one’s horoscope.
To know the importance of Diya and Batti while performing pooja, read this article.
Karwa Chauth is a festival that embodies dedication, love, and faith. With deep roots in mythology and tradition, it continues to be one of the most beloved festivals for married women in India. In 2024, the fast will be observed on 20th October, with the day being filled with love, devotion, and cultural festivities. Women across India will eagerly wait for the moon to rise, making it one of the most beautiful nights of the year.
May this Karwa Chauth bring prosperity, love, and happiness to all married couples! To get the most blessings of Mata Gauri and Lord Shiva, offer them good quality dhoopbatti during your pooja.