What is Karva Chauth ?

Karva Chauth, alternatively known as Karwa Chauth stands as a venerated festival predominantly observed by Hindu women, particularly in the regions of Northern and Western India. Traditionally celebrated in October or November according to the Hindu lunar month of Kartika, this festival, like several others in the Hindu calendar, follows the lunisolar system, meticulously considering celestial positions, particularly the moon's phases to mark significant dates. Karva Chauth specifically occurs on the fourth day following the full moon.

During Karva Chauth, married and unmarried women partake in a day-long fast from sunrise until moonrise, praying for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.



Where is it celebrated or observed ?

The traditional observance of the Karva Chauth fast is predominantly practiced in regions including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, a similar celebration known as Atla Tadde is observed.



Story behind Karva Chauth

Karwa Chauth, where 'Karwa' signifies 'a clay pot' and 'Chauth' denotes the fourth, specifically refers to the fourth night (day) after the Full Moon in the Kartik month as per the Hindu calendar.

Legend has it that in a bygone era, there existed a beautiful princess named Veeravati. Upon reaching a marriageable age, Veeravati wed a king. On the occasion of her first Karva Chauth post-marriage, she visited her parents' home.

From sunrise, she diligently observed a rigorous fast. However, being delicate, the queen couldn't endure the fasting regimen and grew faint by evening. Veeravati had seven caring brothers who couldn't bear to see their sister's suffering and devised a plan to end her fast. They created a fire on a nearby hill and asked Veeravati to look at the light, falsely claiming it to be the moon's glow. Convinced that the moon had risen, she broke her fast by having dinner.

Tragically, shortly after breaking her fast, she received news of her husband, the king's, demise. Heartbroken, she hurried to the king's palace. On her way, she encountered Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Parvati revealed that the king's demise occurred because the queen had broken her fast by seeing a false moon. Yet, upon the queen's plea for forgiveness, the goddess granted a boon: the king would revive but fall ill.

Upon reaching the palace, she found the king unconscious, with numerous needles inserted into his body. Each day, she removed one needle. On the following Karva Chauth, only one needle remained embedded in the king.

Observing a strict fast that day, when she went to purchase the karva and pooja thali in the market, her maid removed the last needle from the king's body. He regained consciousness, mistaking the maid for his queen. When the real queen returned, she was relegated to serving as a maid.

Despite her circumstances, Veeravati faithfully observed the Karva Chauth vrat. Once, when the king was traveling to another kingdom, he asked the real queen (now a maid) if she desired anything. She requested a pair of identical dolls. The king granted her wish, and she sang a song "Roli ki Goli ho gayi... Goli ki Roli ho gayi" (the queen has turned into a maid and the maid has turned into a queen).

When asked by the king about the song's significance, Veeravati recounted the entire tale. The king, repentant, restored her to her rightful status. It was her unwavering devotion and faith that earned her husband's love and the blessings of Goddess Parvati.

How Karva Chauth is celebrated ?


Karva Chauth stands as a one-day festival observed traditionally by Hindu women in North India. Women fast from sunrise until moonrise, seeking to protect and uphold the longevity and safety of their husbands and occasionally, their betrothed partners.


Preparation for this festival: 

  • Initiate the preparations for the celebrations a few days before:    For those engaging days of the festival, consider purchasing makeup and cosmetics , accessories, jewelry, Karva lamps, and plates etc. Local shops and markets embellish their stores with a variety of festive Karva Chauth items, ensuring a wide array of delightful options for you to explore.
  • Rise before dawn on the day of Karva Chauth: Wake up before dawn along with your fellow celebrants and enjoy a meal. In Uttar Pradesh, it's customary to consume soot feni (a traditional dish made from Garbanzo beans and milk) mixed with sugar and milk the night before the celebration to help sustain without water the next day. In Punjab, the sargi  holds significance in this pre-dawn meal. It comprises a variety of delicious food items traditionally sent or offered by the daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law.  

Engaging in the Celebrations:

  • Keep in mind that the fast commences at sunrise. It's indeed a challenging task as you'll abstain from eating, drinking, and even household chores throughout the day.
  • Participate in communal activities during Karva Chauth. In the morning, join other women in your community, engaging in applying Henna on each other's hands and feet. Prior to sunset, gather at a designated place, which might be someone's house, to conduct the rituals associated with the puja. Together, pray for the well-being and longevity of your husbands while exchanging bayas among yourselves.
 The puja is a ceremonial act that signifies reverence to a deity, spirit, or any other divine entity.   The baya is a gift basket containing items such as almonds, jewelry pieces, and other assorted gifts.
  • Involve your husband (or fiancé) in the celebration. While the festival predominantly revolves around women, husbands actively take part. Traditionally, they pamper their wives with gifts and special treats as a token of appreciation for enduring the challenging fast and prayers. Beyond celebrating the bond between female friends, this occasion stands as a reminder of the enduring relationship between husband and wife.


Some other facts about this festival:

  1. Understand that women, upon marriage, traditionally they left their native village or town to reside with their husbands. They would settle in their in-laws' home, often feeling disconnected from their hometown. This tradition originated as newlywed women sought companionship in their new surroundings. These bonds became incredibly significant, laying the foundation for what is now a widely recognized festival.
  2. The newfound friend would evolve into a cherished god-friend or god-sister in the life of the newlywed.
  3. God-sisters and god-friends were regarded as lifelong family members.
  4. Karva Chauth symbolizes the affectionate bond between the newlywed and her god-sister or god-friend.
  5. Note that the festival aligns with the wheat sowing season. Large earthen pots used for storing wheat were called karvas. The term "Chauth" means 'fourth'. There's speculation that the festival might have also originated as a prayer for a bountiful harvest.
  6. Please remember, Karva Chauth takes place on the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik, known as 'Krishna paksha' in the Hindu calendar. It doesn't have a fixed date but typically falls in October.

From  where did this festival actually start ?

Note that this festival originated in the northern and northwestern regions of India. Despite several hypotheses about its origin, the exact reason for its observation solely in northern India. .It was first observed in the month of October.

     Uttar Pradesh                                    


Few commonly accepted ideas are desctibed below :
  1. Typically, the land was dry by October following the monsoon season.
  2. As women resumed their travels and duties, they began fasting to pray for the longevity and safety of their husbands (and sometimes fiancés).

Most common FAQ:

  • Is Karva Chauth a Sikh festival? 
Answer : For Punjabi Sikhs, Karva Chauth isn't a part of their belief system. They do not subscribe to the idea that observing Karva Chauth will extend their husband's life, as it's not a practice within Sikhism.Since Sikhs and Hindus often share cultural practices and celebrate each other's festivals, many Sikh girls participate in Karva Chauth for the joy of the festivities. In Punjab, this day is seen as a way to pamper one's wife, with everyone dressing beautifully for enjoyment. However, concerning the religious belief that fasting on this day will prolong a husband's life, Sikhs in Punjab do not adhere to this notion.
  • Is Karva Chauth a Myth ?


Answer : Is it myth or not no one can predict but  If you believe in the existance of God then you must accept the mythological facts behind any religion .Religious rituals are nothing but expression of your belief and devotion .Karwa Chauth finds its origins deeply embedded in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Goddess Parvati observed a fast to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. This narrative resonates in tales reflecting Draupadi's care for Arjuna's well-being and the unwavering devotion of Karva Devi.
In a poignant account, Queen Veeravati's unwavering commitment led to the restoration of her husband's life. These narratives encapsulate the essence of Karwa Chauth as a day representing love, devotion, and unyielding bonds. 
  • What is not allowed in Karva Chauth ?
Answer : If you are observing a fast for any occasion,  then you must renounce something .It could be something like food ,drinks,sexual activity and many more .In addition to abstaining from food, individuals also refrain from drinking water during the Karwa Chauth fast. Alongside consuming a nourishing and satiating meal during Sargi, it's crucial to ensure proper hydration. Dehydration can result in weakness and dizziness. It's advisable to avoid excessively oily foods during Sargi as they can induce thirst.

While many break their fast by consuming food only after the appearance of the moon, some individuals opt to drink water or juice following the evening prayer.
  • What dress should be used during Karva Chauth for ladies/women ?
Adorn yourself in vibrant attire, such as shades of red, yellow, green, pink, and orange, which are deemed auspicious for Karwa Chauth.
  • What colour should be avoided during Karva Chauth ? 
It's crucial to refrain from donning garments in black, grey, white, and cream colors on this significant day.
  • What is the best colour to wear in Karva Chauth ?
Women born under the Virgo zodiac sign are advised to choose a yellow or green sari for Karwa Chauth, as these colors align with their astrological attributes. For those under the Libra sign, guided by Venus, it is recommended to opt for silver, light pink, or pink attire, as Venus is associated with brightness. Additionally, women born under the Scorpio sign should consider wearing red clothing.
  • Can unmarried girl keep Karva Chauth ?
Traditionally, fasting during Karwa Chauth was primarily observed by married women. However, in contemporary times, unmarried women and husbands also partake in the fast. Unmarried women observe it with the hope of finding an ideal husband, while husbands fast for the longevity and well-being of their wives.
  • Benifits of Karva Chauth of a unmarried girl ? 
Astrologers suggest that unmarried girls can observe the Karva Chauth fast for their fiancé or significant other, whom they envision as their life partner. Alternatively, they may pray to the divine for the blessing of an ideal life partner. Consequently, this day holds equal significance for those aspiring to marry.
  • What is the role of a mother during Karva Chauth ?
The fast observed during Karva Chauth is also referenced in the Puranas as Karak Chaturthi. On this day, mothers fast, abstaining from food and water, while offering prayers for the prolonged life of their husbands.
  • Can we wear black on Karva Chauth?
To prevent potential difficulties in the life of both the fasting woman and her husband, it's advised to refrain from wearing black color during Karwa Chauth. Married women are suggested to avoid colors such as black, white, blue, grey, and brown. Although these colors might have diverse interpretations, in the context of Karwa Chauth, they are considered inauspicious.
  • What is the role of mother in law in Karwa Chauth?
An integral part of this tradition is the Sargi, a pre-dawn meal given by mothers-in-law to married women. While the foods in the Sargi thali serve to sustain and nourish during the fast, the significance of Karwa Chauth extends far beyond the meal.
  • Which goddess is Worshipped in Karwa Chauth?
In the Karwa Chauth puja, women worship Goddess Parvati, followed by offerings to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Kartikeya. The fast is concluded after catching a glimpse of the moon, marking the moment to break the fast.
  • Is karva Chauth best for pregnant women ?
During Karwa Chauth, married women observe a day-long fast abstaining from food and water, which can be challenging even for healthy individuals. In such instances, it is strongly advised that pregnant women refrain from fasting for the entire day.
  • Can breastfeeding women do fasting on karwa Chauth ?
No, it is not recommended for breastfeeders.Expectant or nursing mothers, as well as elderly individuals, are advised to abstain from fasting.
  • Is it compulsory to apply mehndi on Karwa Chauth?
The application of henna is an integral aspect of Karva Chauth customs. Traditional mehndi designs often comprise simple shapes such as triangles, circles, lines, and various other patterns.
  • What should I do if I get periods during Karva Chauth ?
As per nutritionist's advice, it's best to refrain from attempting it if you are menstruating.
  • When should I stop eating for Karwa Chauth?
Throughout the period from sunrise to sundown, women refrain from consuming any food or beverages.