Karwa Chauth is an age-old festival which is celebrated on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. On Karwa Chauth, married women fast for the well being of their husbands. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh and Kartikeya are worshipped on this auspicious occasion. Women observe fast from sunrise and break it after making offerings to the moon. The fast is tough as one cannot have a single drop of water after sunrise. This year Karwa Chauth is falling on October 8. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in North India, mainly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, etc. Moon is of great importance this day. Couples pray for their prosperous married life and togetherness.
Karwa means earthen pot which holds a great significance in puja. Ladies offer water known as Argha to the moon through this pot. Chauth means the fourth day. Women start preparing for the big day in advance. Wearing bright coloured ethnic outfits and make up, ladies from neighbourhood, friends and relatives come together for the puja.
Karwa Chauth 2017 Muhurat and Timing
The muhurat to worship Chauth Mata is between 17:55 to 19: 09 according to drikpanchang. You can worship the goddess within 1 hour and 14 mins. Moonrise on Karwa Chauth will be at 20:14. However, do check the timing in your city. Chaturthi tithi will begin from 16: 58 on October 8 and will end at 14:16 on October 9.
Karwa Chauth 2017 Puja Vidhi
Married ladies wake up early in the morning to have the food prepared mostly by their mother-in-laws. It is called sargi and is a pre-dawn meal which includes snacks and sweets. After taking bath, take sankalp or pledge to fast without food and water with clear mind and soul. Chant this mantra: मम सुखसौभाग्य पुत्रपौत्रादि सुस्थिर श्री प्राप्तये करक चतुर्थी व्रतमहं करिष्ये। which means "I would observe the fasting of Karak Chaturthi for the wellbeing of the husband, sons and grandsons and to gain fixed wealth".
Karwa Chauth puja is basically done during sandhya after sunset. Ladies worship Goddess Gaura and Chauth Mata which are respresentations of Goddess Parvati. Chant this mantra while offering prayers: नमः शिवायै शर्वाण्यै सौभाग्यं संतति शुभाम्। प्रयच्छ भक्तियुक्तानां नारीणां हरवल्लभे॥ which means "O beloved consort of Lord Shiva, please bestow long life of the husband and beautiful sons to your women devotees" After worshipping the Goddess offer prayers to her family including Lord Ganesha and Shiva. The puja is performed in group and katha of Karwa Chauth is narrated. After the puja, the karak or earthen pot filled with milk or water and few coins should be given to Brahmin or a woman. But it is only after seeing the moon through filter or sieve and making offerings, women are able to break the fast. It is believed that the ritual of looking at the husband through the sieve wards off all evils from him. Newly-wed brides especially look forward for Karwa Chauth. Women put mehendi in their hands and sing songs.
