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Karva Chauth (also spelled Karwa Chauth or Karaka Chaturthi) is a deeply symbolic Hindu festival observed primarily by married women, who fast from sunrise until moonrise, praying for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried women sometimes observe it hoping to be blessed with a suitable life partner.

The festival is especially popular in North India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh), but its emotional resonance has led to observance across many regions. It is observed on the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (or Ashwin in the Amanta calendar) - i.e., the fourth day of the waning moon phase.

Its essence lies not just in the fast, but in devotion, self-discipline, giving (daan), seva, prayer, and the bond between husband and wife.

Meaning and Significance of Karva Chauth

The word “Karva” or “Karwa” means an earthen pot, which symbolizes prosperity and peace. “Chauth” or “Chaturthi” refers to the fourth day of the lunar fortnight. Hence, Karva Chauth literally means “the fourth day associated with the Karva.”

It is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (fourth day of the waning moon) in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Married women observe a day-long fast for the long life, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands. In many regions, unmarried women also observe this fast to be blessed with a good husband in the future.

Karva Chauth is most widely celebrated in North India - in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. However, its emotional and spiritual importance is recognized across the country.

History and Mythological Origins

Karva Chauth’s roots go back centuries, and several folk legends are associated with it. These stories emphasize devotion, sacrifice, and the power of prayer.

1. Queen Veeravati’s Devotion

Queen Veeravati was the only sister of seven brothers. On her first Karva Chauth after marriage, she fasted for her husband’s long life. By evening, she became faint from hunger and thirst. Her brothers, unable to watch her suffering, tricked her by showing a mirror through a tree, making it appear as if the moon had risen. She broke her fast, but soon after, her husband died.

Distraught, she prayed sincerely to Goddess Parvati, who revealed the truth and asked her to reobserve the fast properly. Veeravati did so with devotion, and her husband was brought back to life. This story represents faith, patience, and the importance of performing the fast with complete sincerity.

2. The Legend of Karva and the Crocodile

A woman named Karva, deeply devoted to her husband, once saved him from a crocodile while he was bathing in a river. She tied the crocodile with a cotton thread and prayed to Yama, the god of death, to spare her husband. Yama, impressed by her devotion, granted her husband long life and punished the crocodile. The festival is said to derive its name “Karva Chauth” from this story.

3. Savitri and Satyavan

The legend of Savitri and Satyavan, in which Savitri follows Yama and wins back her husband’s life through her devotion, is also cited as an example of a wife’s steadfast faith and strength.

Date, Muhurat, and Moonrise Time for Karva Chauth 2025

According to the Hindu calendar, Karva Chauth in 2025 will be observed on Friday, October 10, 2025.

* Date: Friday, October 10, 2025

* Tithi: Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha, Kartik month

* Puja Muhurat: 05:58 PM to 07:11 PM (approximate - consult local panchang)

* Moonrise Time (Chand Nikalne Ka Samay): 08:18 PM (Delhi and North India)Moonrise may vary by 10 to 15 minutes depending on location

* Fasting Duration: From before sunrise (around 5:10 AM) to moonrise (around 8:18 PM)

The fast begins before dawn and is broken after sighting the moon at ni