Karva Chauth Vrat
करवा चौथ व्रत
Karva Chauth (करवा चौथ) is the most beloved marital vrat in Hindu tradition. Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon through a sieve (chalni) and then looking at the husband's face. It falls on the 4th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (October-November). This vrat celebrates the eternal bond of marriage and devotion.
Fasting Rules & Vidhi
Begin the fast before sunrise (eat Sargi — pre-dawn meal prepared by mother-in-law).
No food or water throughout the day (Nirjala fast) until moonrise.
Dress in bridal attire — red/pink clothes, full shringar (adornment), mehndi on hands.
Perform puja in the evening with a Karva (clay pot), idol of Gauri Mata, and Shiva-Parvati.
Listen to the Karva Chauth Katha from an elderly woman or mother-in-law.
When the moon rises, sight it through a sieve (chalni), then look at husband's face through the same sieve. Husband offers water to break the fast.
Significance & Story
Karva Chauth has its origins in the story of Queen Veervati who accidentally broke her fast before moonrise, causing her husband to fall gravely ill. Through devotion and the grace of Goddess Parvati, she was taught the correct way to observe the vrat, and her husband recovered. The fast demonstrates the power of a wife's love and devotion. Goddess Parvati herself observed austerities for Lord Shiva, making her the ideal inspiration for this vrat.