Karwa Chauth 2024: Married women observe the Karwa Chauth fast every year for the long life of their husbands. The fast is observed on the fourth day of the waning phase of the Kartik month.
This year, it falls today, on Sunday, October 20. On the occasion of Karwa Chauth, married women keep a day-long fast without water for the long life of their husbands.
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Karwa Chauth Puja Time
The auspicious time for the puja will be from 5:40 PM to 7:02 PM.
Karwa Chauth Moonrise Time In Shimla
In Shimla, the moon will be visible at 7:45 PM on Karwa Chauth. There may be slight variations in the moon sighting time depending on the city. After sighting the moon, women will break their fast. This year, the fourth tithi, Chaturthi is diminishing.
The third tithi, Tritiya of the Krishna Paksha in Kartik will begin on Saturday, October 19, at 9:48 AM and will last until 6:45 AM on Sunday, October 20. The fourth tithi will commence at 6:46 AM on Sunday and continue until the following morning. The start of the fourth tithi after sunrise is considered a diminishing tithi, Kshay, but it does not affect the fast in any way.
What Do Women Do Throughout The Day During The Fast?
Married women observing Karwa Chauth read and listen to the story in the evening. This tale is dedicated to a devoted wife named Karwa, who pleased the moon god to save her husband's life. It is believed that listening to this story yields the benefits of the fast. Every year, married women gather to hear this tale on Karwa Chauth.
Throughout the day, women also sing devotional songs and participate in bhajans. They spend the entire day together, celebrating the occasion. Additionally, every year, the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation offers free travel for women on its buses during Karwa Chauth. This service is available from sunrise to sunset.
What Is The Story Behind Observing The Fast?
The Karwa Chauth fast is observed for the long life of one’s husband. It is believed that during a battle between the gods and demons, the demons were gaining the upper hand over the gods. Concerned for their husbands, the goddesses approached Brahma, the creator of the universe. Brahma advised them to observe a waterless fast.
Following this, the goddesses kept the fast, which led to the protection of the gods. This marked the beginning of the tradition of observing Karwa Chauth. During this festival, women worship Lord Ganesha along with Shiva, Parvati, and the Moon God. Bhajans and kirtans are also held in local temples, where women gather to spend their day in a religious atmosphere. After listening to the tale, they return home and break their fast only after sighting the moon.
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