Karva Chauth Fasting Guide
Duration: 1 day (Nirjala — no food or water until moonrise) · When to observe: Krishna Chaturthi of Kartik month (usually October–November)
Married women pray for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands
Duration
1 day (Nirjala — no food or water until moonrise)
When to observe
Krishna Chaturthi of Kartik month (usually October–November)
Fasting type
Strict fastPresiding deity
Lord Shiva, Parvati, Karva Mata
Purpose
Married women pray for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands
What you can eat
- Sargi meal before sunrise (given by mother-in-law): includes mathri, dry fruits, fruits, mithai, thali
- After breaking fast at moonrise: puja thali prasad first
What to avoid
- All food and water from sunrise until moonrise (full Nirjala fast)
- Breaking fast before seeing the moon is not permitted in tradition
Always consult your family tradition — regional customs vary.
Rituals & Practices
- 1
Sargi — pre-sunrise meal gifted by mother-in-law, eaten before sun rises
- 2
Get dressed in bridal attire and jewellery
- 3
Evening Karva Chauth Katha (story) listening in group with other women
- 4
Puja with decorated thali — karva (clay pot), sindoor, mehndi, coconut, fruits, diya
- 5
At moonrise: see moon through sieve, then see husband's face through sieve, husband gives water
How to Break the Fast
Only at moonrise. Husband gives wife water and then food. Break with light, nutritious food.
Vrat Mantra
Om Katyayanaye Vidmahe | Kanyakumari Dhimahi | Tanno Durgi Prachodayat
Chant 108 times on the day of the vrat
Practical Tips
Drink plenty of water the night before
Sargi meal should be protein-rich to sustain through the day
Fennel seeds (saunf) help manage hunger and cravings
Prepare puja thali items a day before
Keep busy with preparations, haldi-kumkum exchange with other women