As the much-anticipated Karwa Chauth festival approaches, married Hindu women in India prepare for a significant day of fasting, prayer, and rituals aimed at the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. This year, Karwa Chauth falls on October 20, 2024. The observance involves a day-long fast that begins at sunrise and ends with the sighting of the moon, marking a blend of devotion and cultural heritage. Knowing the moonrise timings and traditional rituals enhances the spiritual experience, making it a cherished occasion for families.
Moonrise Timings Across Major Cities
Understanding the moonrise time is essential for women observing the Karwa Chauth fast, as it marks the moment they can break their fast. Below are the expected moonrise timings for several major cities on this auspicious day:
- Delhi: 7:54 PM
- Greater Noida: 7:53 PM
- Kanpur: 7:47 PM
- Dehradun: 7:46 PM
- Jaipur: 8:05 PM
- Ahmedabad: 8:28 PM
- Kolkata: 7:24 PM
- Mumbai: 8:37 PM
- Bengaluru: 8:32 PM
- Chennai: 8:21 PM
- Hyderabad: 8:18 PM
- Lucknow: 7:44 PM
- Patna: 7:30 PM
- Pune: 8:35 PM
- Gurugram: 7:56 PM
- Chandigarh: 7:48 PM
- Jammu: 7:52 PM
These moonrise timings are crucial for planning the rituals that accompany the day of fasting, ensuring a seamless observance of Karwa Chauth.
Shubh Muhurat for Karwa Chauth Puja
On Karwa Chauth, the rituals are guided by the lunar calendar. This year, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 6:46 AM on October 20 and concludes at 4:16 AM on October 21. The auspicious time, or Shubh Muhurat, for performing the Karwa Chauth puja is from 5:46 PM to 7:02 PM, providing a window of approximately one hour and sixteen minutes for the rituals to take place.
Detailed Karwa Chauth Rituals and Their Significance
The Karwa Chauth day commences with a pre-dawn meal known as Sargi, lovingly prepared by mothers-in-law for their daughters-in-law. This meal typically includes nutritious items like fruits, sweets, and dry fruits, vital for sustaining the women during their fast. After Sargi, women begin their strict fast, refraining from both food and water until they see the moon. As evening draws near, women adorn themselves in traditional attire, often featuring vibrant reds and golds, and gather for the puja rituals. They recount tales of revered figures such as Veeravati and Savitri, symbolizing devotion and love.
The fast concludes with a meticulously planned moon sighting, where women use a sieve (chalni) to view the moon, followed by prayers and the breaking of the fast with water from their husbands. During the puja, women form circles with their thalis (decorative plates) filled with offerings such as sweets, fruits, and a diya (lamp). They sing traditional songs while participating in a ritual known as thali batana, fostering communal bonds and spiritual connections.
As the moon rises, women offer water to it while reciting prayers. In some regions, they elegantly draw the moon’s face on the ground with rice paste, offering kumkum (red pigment) and flowers. The culmination of the rituals involves looking at their husband’s face through the sieve, symbolizing gratitude and love before breaking the fast.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth transcends mere ritual; it embodies strength, commitment, and enduring love within marriages. As women across India prepare for this significant festival, understanding the moonrise timings and auspicious moments enriches their spiritual experience, allowing them to observe their traditions with grace and faith.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as encouragement or advice on participating in fasting rituals or religious practices. Always consult local customs or experts for specific guidance regarding religious observances.