Karwa Chauth 2026

Is Karwa Chauth on Oct 28 or 29? Date, Moonrise Timing, Shubh Muhurat, and Remedies

Karwa Chauth 2026, the most romantic and celebrated festival in the Hindu calendar, will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29, 2026. This festival is celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik and is observed to honour the bond of marriage and to wish for a long life for your spouse.

Thousands of women (and more recently men) observe a “Nirjala Vrat” (a day-long fast without drinking any water) from sunrise until they see the moonrise in the night sky.

The year 2026 brings a very powerful astrological alignment for Karwa Chauth because it is being celebrated on a Thursday, one of the 26 auspicious days of Lord Brihaspati (Jupiter), the planet representing good fortune, wisdom regarding marriage, and Saubhagya.

The energy of that day will also provide a powerful opportunity to strengthen the “Guru” energy in a marriage. You can find your local time for the beginning of your fast and for your evening prayers by checking our Panchang or by checking our Zodiac Predictions for how this transition will affect your seventh house of partnerships.

Karwa Chauth 2026: Shubh Muhurat & Tithi Timings

AstroZindagi Tip: During the Puja Muhurat (05:38 PM – 06:56 PM) on October 29, 2026, take two small earthen pots, known as “Karwas,” and fill one with water and the other with sweets/grains. After doing this, exchange them with a female friend or an elder. This ritual of “Karwa Pherna” is thought to double the amount of positive energy and spiritual strength gained from your prayers, and to provide added protection against unexpected financial losses for oneself and family members.

Astrological Significance of Karwa Chauth 2026

Karwa Chauth originates from the Puranas, particularly the tale of Queen Veera and of Karwa, a woman who demonstrated such devotion to her husband that she was able to bargain with the God of Death, Yamraj. The spiritual significance of the day lies in the meaning of “Tapasya” (performing austerities for the welfare of another person).

According to Vedic Astrology, the Moon will be transiting through Taurus at this time; however, 29th October 2026 has a very powerful and positive planetary alignment between the Moon and Jupiter (the planet of expansion and growth). Since Jupiter, in a woman’s horoscope, is the “Karaka” (significator) of her husband, doing the puja on a Thursday will help to create positive energy/cause “Siddha” advancement necessary to achieve positive energy and to create prosperity.

The Nakshatra energy present during the evening Puja Muhurat (05:38 PM – 06:56 PM) on 29th October 2026 will create the best possible conditions for conducting the “Karwa Pujan”.

The influence of Nakshatra during this time creates a very stable, earthy energy, which ensures that your intentions set by fasting become reality. This is why the festival is called Karwa Chauth. Karwa refers to an earthen pot, and Chauth refers to the 4th day of the lunar month.

The Concept of the “Sargi” and “Nirjala Vrat”

It is important to understand how the physical and spiritual mechanics are applied to this fast.

The Ritual of Sargi: The fast begins on the morning before the fast; also known as a “sargi”. It is the meal the mother-in-law prepares for her daughter-in-law, usually consisting of fruits, nuts, sweets (e.g., “feni”), and a main dish, so her daughter-in-law has enough energy to complete her fast successfully. In Vedic astrology, the sargi feeds the daughter-in-law (which reflects the energy of her household) and consequently strengthens the “chandra” (Moon) energy of her household, bringing about peace within it.

Nirjala Vrat: The Karwa Chauth fast is the only fast that is a nirjala (without water) fast, and the extreme level of penance carried out during the fast is believed to build up vital energy “ojas” of the person who is fasting, and at the end of the day, when the lady sees the moon for the first time, this is seen as her first act of love toward her husband, thus transferring the ojas of her to him. The entire day of the fast is also an example of being fully in control of one’s physical and mental state.

Step-By-Step instructions to Puja Vidhi of Karwa Chauth 2026

The evening Puja is the most social and spiritual time of the day, where women gather together to listen to the “vrat katha.”

Shringar and Preparation: The women getting dressed for the evening Puja will have the traditional “solah shringar” (a total of sixteen adornments), which includes wearing red/orange clothing (as Mars is the planet representing the physical energy), as well as adding Mehndi (henna), bangles, and bindi.

Karwa Pujan (From 5:38 – 6:56 PM): Before beginning the pujan, the women’s puja area must be cleaned and an image or calendar with an image of a karwa must be attached to a wall in front of them; a karwa (small clay pot) filled with water or milk must be placed on the floor below the image or calendar (the puja can be performed using either one) and the following offerings should be made: akshat, kumkum, and flowers, and a sacred “mauli” thread should be tied around the neck of the karwa.

Katha Circle: The group of women can gather as one large group or sit with their families as they recite the “vrat katha”. During this time, they will exchange the karwa amongst themselves (karwa pherna) while singing, thus creating the connection and strengthening the energy and blessings provided by the ladies to their families.

Moon Sighting (8:17 PM): Once the Moon has appeared at 8:17 PM (Delhi time), the wife shall look at the moon through a “chhalni” or sieve, followed by looking at her husband; she shall then offer the “arghya” (water) to the moon while repeating the following mantra: Om som somaya namah (Translation: I am devoted to you, O moon, as you are the giver of all life and as such are the cause of all pleasure).

Karwa Chauth 2026: Remedies for Your Zodiac Sign (Rashi Upay)

On October 29th, 2026, there is a set of “Upays” that you can do to align your Moon sign to the planet’s energy on this date.

Aries (Mesha): Girls should wear a red bindi and offer honey to the deity; this will reduce the heat from Mars and help your husband find success in his profession.

Taurus (Vrishabha): Offer white sweets and milk at your puja for Venus and to create an attraction to luxury and a romantic relationship.

Gemini (Mithuna): During the puja, offer Lord Ganesha 21 Durva blades of grass and green cardamom to help clear communication barriers between the spouses.

Cancer (Karka): When making a Moon offering, use raw milk mixed with black sesame seeds. This helps provide emotional stability and relieve family doshas, so you can have an optimal relationship.

Leo (Simha): Offer jaggery and red flowers to strengthen the benefic Sun and ensure that your husband will be recognised and respected in his community and at work.

Virgo (Kanya): Donate green clothing or stationery to less fortunate girls – the donation will align your Mercury energy and provide relief from anxiety caused by analytical thinking in your relationship.

Libra (Tula): Offer white silk and Ittar at the puja – this will beautify your marriage and help balance your material needs.

Scorpio (Vrishchika): Offer jaggery and red sindoor to protect your marriage from the evil eye and develop inner courage in the relationship.

Sagittarius (Dhanu): Since today is Thursday, donate turmeric and yellow fruit – this will honour your benevolent planet Jupiter and will return to your home in the form of higher wisdom or wealth.

Capricorn (Makara): Light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree in the morning to cool down the temperature from Saturn and strengthen your foundation to accomplish your long-term goals.

Aquarius (Kumbha): Offer coconut water and blue flowers in the evening to achieve creative success and gain recognition in public.

Pisces (Meena): Meditate silently for at least 15 minutes before the full moon. Make a moon offering with honey and yellow flowers for spiritual and mental satisfaction.

City-Wise Moonrise Timings on Karwa Chauth Day

Panchang time will always be exact, but will differ for the moonrise for each city. The moonrise will occur at different times in the cities listed below on the 29th of October, 2026.

AstroZindagi Note: Approximate timings are based on the lunar phase changes, but remember these are only approximate timings. It is advisable to check your local horizon 5-10 mins before these timings.