Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival during which married women observe a day-long fast and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the Moon and performing the customary rituals.
As Moonrise timings vary from city to city, checking local timings is important for devotees observing the vrat.
Karwa Chauth 2026: Date and Moonrise Time
Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The festival is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Traditionally, women begin fasting at sunrise and continue until the Moon is sighted in the evening.
In New Delhi, the Moon is expected to rise at around 8:17 PM, while Mumbai is expected to witness Moonrise at approximately 9:00 PM. In New Delhi, the fasting period begins at 6:31 AM, and the evening puja muhurat is scheduled from 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM.
Since the timings differ by location, devotees should consult their local Panchang for accurate Moonrise and puja timings.
Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Timings in Major Cities
Moonrise timings vary across India because of geographical differences. Devotees in cities such as Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata should check their local timings before planning their evening prayers and Moon-sighting rituals.
Note: Moonrise timings may vary slightly depending on the exact location and the Panchang followed.
Karwa Chauth 2026 Puja Muhurat and Fasting Timings
The evening puja is an important part of Karwa Chauth celebrations. Women traditionally perform the rituals before Moonrise and offer prayers to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and other deities, following their family customs.
The fasting duration and puja muhurat may differ depending on the city. Devotees are advised to check the timings prescribed in their local Panchang to plan their evening rituals accordingly.
Why Does Moonrise Time Differ Across Cities?
The Moon does not rise at the same time across India. Its apparent position relative to the horizon changes depending on the observer’s geographical location, including latitude and longitude. Consequently, cities in different parts of the country experience different Moonrise timings.
Eastern cities such as Kolkata may witness Moonrise earlier than western cities such as Mumbai. Northern and southern cities also experience variations based on their geographical coordinates.
Weather conditions can further affect the visibility of the Moon. Cloud cover, haze, tall buildings and an obstructed horizon may prevent devotees from seeing the Moon immediately after its astronomical rise.
How Is Karwa Chauth Celebrated After Moonrise?
Moon-sighting is one of the most significant rituals of Karwa Chauth. Although customs vary across families and regions, the observance generally includes prayers, offerings and traditional rituals.
Women prepare a puja thali containing items such as a diya, a water-filled karwa, flowers, sweets and kumkum. They perform the evening puja according to family traditions and pray for the health, happiness and longevity of their husbands.
Once the Moon becomes visible, devotees offer arghya, or water, to the Moon as part of Chandra Puja. In many families, women look at the Moon through a sieve and then look at their husbands through it. The fast is subsequently broken according to customary practices.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth 2026 is being observed on October 29, with Moonrise and puja timings varying across Indian cities. Devotees should check their local Panchang for accurate timings and plan their evening rituals accordingly. The festival brings together fasting, prayers and traditional Moon-sighting ceremonies, reflecting its cultural and religious significance.