When Karwa Chauth 2024 falls on Sunday, October 20, married women across India and the diaspora begin a day‑long nirjala fast for the longevity of their husbands.
According to Drikpanchang, the Chaturthi Tithi starts at 06:46 AM on October 20 and runs until 04:16 AM the next day. In New Delhi, the official puja muhurat is slated from 05:46 PM to 07:02 PM, a window of 1 hour 16 minutes, while Times of India reports a slightly earlier slot of 05:19 PM to 06:34 PM. Moonrise, the moment the fast officially ends, is expected at 07:54 PM by Drikpanchang and 07:41 PM by Times of India, highlighting how local calculations can diverge by a few minutes.
When and Where: Date, Time, and Muhurat
The festival lands on the fourth day after the full moon in the Kartik (or Ashwin for regions that follow the Amanta calendar). Because the Hindu calendar is lunisolar, the Gregorian date shifts each year – it was November 1, 2023, and will be October 10, 2025. The timing nuances matter: sunrise in New Delhi this October falls between 05:43 AM and 06:25 AM, marking the start of the Upavasa (fast). The fast stretches until the moon is sighted, at which point the husband offers water from a thali, allowing his wife her first sip.
Because time‑zone differences affect lunar calculations, Hindus living in western countries may observe the festival a day earlier, while those in Japan or Australia might see it a day later, as explained by MyPanchang.
How the Ritual Unfolds: From Sargi to Moonrise
The day begins before sunrise with Sargi, a pre‑dawn feast prepared by the mother‑in‑law. Typical Sargi includes fresh fruits, sweets, nuts, and a glass of milk – foods believed to sustain the fasting woman through the long hours without water. The meal is consumed quickly, followed by a prayer to the moon.
Throughout the day, women gather in groups, share stories, and perform the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha, a narrative that underscores marital devotion. As documented by Hindustan Times, "Women only eat food or drink water after making an offering to the moon." The centerpiece of the evening is the puja, where participants offer prayers to Goddess Gauri and Chauth Mata, light incense, and circulate a decorated thali with a lit lamp.
When the moon appears, the husband lifts the thali, pours water onto his wife's hands, and she takes a sip – the moment that officially breaks the fast. The ritual concludes with a shared meal, often featuring traditional sweets like payasam or halwa.
Regional Observances and Calendar Nuances
While the core ritual is uniform, regional flavors differ. In Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of South India, the festival follows the Amanta calendar, but the date remains October 20, 2024. In Andhra Pradesh, a similar observance called Atla Tadde takes place, though its customs tilt toward local traditions.
States with the highest participation include Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Nepal observes the festival with comparable fervor, and even Hindu enclaves in Fiji keep the tradition alive, underscoring its pan‑Indian resonance.
Economic and Social Impact
The day fuels a noticeable spike in sales of jewellery, bridal wear, and festive foods. Retailers report that women's fashion boutiques see up to a 30 % increase in footfall in the week leading up to Karwa Chauth. Although exact revenue figures are scarce, market analysts at Money Control note that first‑time fasters are advised to adhere strictly to traditional guidelines to avoid “sanctity lapses,” which indirectly boosts demand for ritual kits, decorative thalis, and premium sweets.
Beyond commerce, the festival strengthens community bonds. Women often coordinate collective puja sessions, swapping recipes and parenting tips, while men are encouraged to support by preparing the thali and offering water at the end. This shared experience reinforces marital ties and inter‑generational cultural transmission.
Looking Ahead: Future Dates and Trends
Looking past 2024, the next Karwa Chauth lands on Friday, October 10, 2025, as listed by Time and Date. Social media platforms are increasingly influencing how the festival is celebrated, with live‑streamed pujas and digital Sargi boxes appearing on Instagram and YouTube. However, traditionalists caution that virtual participation should not replace the tactile elements of the ritual.
Scholars argue that the festival’s endurance lies in its adaptability – it can accommodate modern lifestyles while preserving its core symbolism of marital devotion. As younger generations migrate worldwide, the observance continues to act as a cultural anchor, linking families across continents.
Key Facts
- Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024
- Puja Muhurat (New Delhi): 05:46 PM–07:02 PM (Drikpanchang) / 05:19 PM–06:34 PM (Times of India)
- Fast Begins: Sunrise (≈05:43 AM–06:25 AM)
- Fast Ends: Moonrise (≈07:54 PM in New Delhi)
- Core Deities: Goddess Gauri, Chauth Mata
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do women fast without water on Karwa Chauth?
The nirjala fast symbolizes absolute devotion and self‑sacrifice. Historically, abstaining from even water was seen as the highest form of penance, invoking Goddess Gauri’s blessings for a husband’s long life. Modern health guidelines suggest staying hydrated, so many women sip water only after the moon sighting.
How is the puja muhurat calculated?
Astrologers use the Hindu lunisolar calendar to pinpoint the exact moment the moon enters the Kartik Chaturthi Tithi. Computations consider sunrise, sunset, and the moon’s declination for a specific location. That’s why Drikpanchang’s timings differ slightly from Times of India, which uses a slightly different algorithm.
Can Karwa Chauth be observed outside India?
Yes. Hindu diaspora communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Fiji, and the Middle East hold the same rituals, often adjusting the muhurat to local time‑zones. Online puja streams have made it easier for families abroad to synchronize the fast with relatives back home.
What economic sectors benefit most from Karwa Chauth?
Jewellery retailers, saree and lehenga boutiques, and confectioners see a sharp sales surge. According to market observations cited by Money Control, sales of gold jewellery can increase by up to 20 % in the week before the festival, while sweet shops report higher demand for traditional items like payasam and tilgul.
What are common mistakes first‑time fasters should avoid?
Experts advise against missing the Sargi meal, drinking water before the official sunrise, and neglecting the moon‑sighting ritual. Skipping any of these steps is believed to diminish the fast’s spiritual efficacy, according to guidelines from Hindu religious authorities.
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