How to keep the Karva Chauth fast: from sargi to the moon offering
Quick answer: Karva Chauth is kept on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi by married women, mostly in North India, praying for their husband's long life. Before sunrise they eat sargi, usually given by the mother-in-law, and then fast without water all day. In the evening there is a puja of Karva Mata, Gauri-Shiv and Ganesh, with the katha. At moonrise, they offer water to the moon, look at the moon and then their husband through a sieve, and break the fast with water from the husband's hand.
At a glance
- Date
- Kartik Krishna Chaturthi (October–November)
- Sargi
- Before sunrise, from the mother-in-law
- Puja
- Karva Mata, Gauri, Shiv, Ganesh, Kartikeya
- Breaking the fast
- After moonrise, with an offering to the moon
How Karva Chauth is kept
- Before sunrise, bathe and eat sargi: fruit, dry fruits, sweets, pheni and water; then take the sankalp.
- Fast without water through the day, while looking after your health.
- In the evening, dress in full festive attire, fill the karva (an earthen pot with a spout) with water and prepare the puja plate.
- Worship Karva Mata and Gauri-Shiv on a wall drawing or picture and listen to the Karva Chauth katha; in many places women sit together and pass the plates around.
- At moonrise, offer water from the karva to the moon, light a lamp, and look at the moon and then your husband through a sieve.
- Break the fast by drinking water from your husband's hand and eating a sweet, then have a simple meal and take the elders' blessings.
Do
- Include water and nourishing food in the sargi so you have strength through the day.
- Check your city's moonrise time; if it is cloudy, offer water towards the moon's direction as your family does.
- Take the elders' blessings and give the baya (gift) to your mother-in-law, where that is the custom.
Don't
- If pregnant, diabetic or unwell, don't keep a waterless fast without a doctor's advice; a fast with water or fruit is also possible.
- Many families avoid scissors and needlework and avoid sleeping on this day.
- Don't break the fast before seeing the moon unless your health requires it.
Karva Chauth customs differ by region and family. Follow your tradition. Health comes first; KathaMantra does not promise any specific result.
Frequently asked questions
When should sargi be eaten?
Before sunrise, usually between about 4 and 5 am, after bathing.
Can I drink water on Karva Chauth?
Traditionally it is a waterless fast, but for health reasons many women fast with water or fruit.
How do I break the fast if the moon isn't visible?
After the panchang's moonrise time, offer water towards the moon's direction and break the fast; some families worship the moon on Lord Shiv's head instead.
Why is the moon seen through a sieve?
It is a folk custom linked with the story of Veeravati in the katha. Its spirit is devotion and love.
Can unmarried girls keep Karva Chauth?
Many unmarried girls do keep it; in some families they break the fast on seeing the stars. Follow your family's custom.