Karwa Chauth 2025: Celebrating Love and Devotion Across India

Karwa Chauth, a revered Hindu festival observed by married women across northern and western India, is celebrated with deep devotion on Friday, October 10, 2025. This day-long fast, observed from sunrise until moonrise, symbolizes the love, dedication, and prayers of wives for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands.

The festival falls on the Chaturthi tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik, which this year begins late on October 9 at 10:54 PM and ends on October 10 at 7:38 PM. Hence, the auspicious day for fasting and rituals is October 10, 2025.

Married women start their fast early in the morning — abstaining from both food and water, known as Nirjala Vrat — and participate in evening pujas. The Karwa Chauth puja muhurat, or the most auspicious time for worship, is scheduled between 5:57 PM and 7:11 PM, during which they gather to listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha (story) and perform rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Chandra (the Moon God).

Moonrise, a critical moment allowing women to break their fast, will occur at 8:13 PM in New Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram, and different timings are observed in other cities—for instance, Mumbai sees moonrise around 8:55 PM.

The term ‘Karwa’ refers to an earthen pot, symbolizing life-giving water, and ‘Chauth’ means the fourth day after the full moon, marking the specific lunar day the festival is celebrated. The observance is deeply rooted in tradition, reflecting marital fidelity, mutual respect, and spiritual commitment.

While the festival is predominantly celebrated in states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, its significance resonates with Hindu and Sikh communities across India and abroad, including diaspora communities in the USA.

Karwa Chauth not only honors marital bonds but also fosters social bonding and cultural continuity, as women adorn themselves elegantly, exchange gifts, and participate in communal gatherings before breaking their fast. The 2025 celebrations continue this legacy of love, sacrifice, and spiritual observance.