Karwa Chauth 2026 falls on Thursday, 29 October in India. Married women (and, more and more, husbands and fiancés too) keep a nirjala fast from sunrise until the moon rises, then break it after offering water to the moon and looking at it through a chalni. If you are keeping the fast this year, here is everything in one place: the date, how moonrise works, what to eat at sargi, and a puja samagri checklist you can shop from.
When is Karwa Chauth in 2026?
Karwa Chauth is kept on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the waning moon in the month of Kartik, as counted in the North Indian calendar. In 2026 that is Thursday, 29 October for India.
Living abroad? In the USA and Canada, Karwa Chauth 2026 falls a day earlier, on Wednesday, 28 October. The fast is kept on the day when Chaturthi is running at local moonrise, and the time difference moves that day for North America. Check a panchang for your own city.
Karwa Chauth 2026 moonrise time
Moonrise is the moment everyone waits for, and it changes from city to city. On 29 October 2026, published panchangs put moonrise in most North Indian cities at roughly 8 PM to 9 PM, with cities further west and south generally seeing the moon later. Two practical tips:
- Check the moonrise time for your exact city on the morning of the fast, using a trusted panchang app or your family priest.
- Moonrise is calculated for a flat horizon. Buildings, trees and clouds can delay the moment you actually see the moon, so keep the puja ready 15 to 20 minutes early and be patient.
What to eat at sargi
Sargi is the pre-dawn meal, traditionally sent by the mother-in-law, eaten before sunrise. Its job is to keep you steady through a long day without water, so choose foods that release energy slowly and keep you hydrated.
- Fruits: banana, papaya, apple, pomegranate or coconut water for fluids and natural sugar.
- Dry fruits: soaked almonds, walnuts, dates and raisins for slow energy.
- Something filling: paratha with curd, poha, or a small bowl of kheer or seviyan, as your family prefers.
- Fluids: a glass of milk, lassi or coconut water. Go easy on tea and coffee, which can make you thirstier later.
- Avoid: very salty, spicy or fried food at sargi, as it increases thirst during the day.
Karwa Chauth puja samagri checklist
Customs vary between families and regions, so treat this as a starting list and add or strike off items to match yours.
For the puja thali
- Karwa (earthen or metal pot) with a lid
- Chalni (sieve) for viewing the moon
- Diya, ghee or oil, and cotton wicks
- Roli, kumkum, haldi and sindoor
- Rice (akshat), flowers and a small garland
- Incense sticks and matchbox
- A lota or glass of water for arghya to the moon
- Mathri, meethi mathri or other sweets for the offering
- Karwa Chauth katha book or printout
For shringar
- Your festive outfit, often red, maroon or pink
- Mehndi (book your mehndi artist early, as the day before is very busy)
- Bangles, bindi, sindoor and jewellery
For baya and gifts
- Baya for your mother-in-law: often dry fruits, sweets, a saree or suit and some cash
- Gift for your spouse, if you exchange gifts
- Gift tags or a small card with your wishes
A simple plan for the day
- Before sunrise: eat sargi and drink plenty of water.
- Morning: rest, apply mehndi if not done the night before, and set out the thali so nothing is missing later.
- Afternoon: keep activity light. Many women meet in the evening to hear the katha together and exchange their thalis.
- Evening: dress up, do the puja and katha, and keep the arghya water and chalni ready.
- Moonrise: offer water to the moon, view it through the chalni, then look at your husband's face. Break the fast with the first sip of water and a sweet from his hand.
Health tips for a safe nirjala fast
- Drink well the day before, not only at sargi.
- Stay indoors and out of the sun during the afternoon.
- Break the fast gently: water first, then something light like fruit, before a full meal.
- If you are pregnant, diabetic, on regular medicines or unwell, talk to your doctor first. Many families accept a fast with water or fruit in these cases.
Get your puja thali ready
A clean, decorated thali makes the evening puja easier. Our Traditional Kumkum Pooja Thali Set keeps kumkum and haldi in neat compartments. For planners, cards and gift tags for every festival this season, see our Navratri, Karwa Chauth and Diwali collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the date of Karwa Chauth 2026?
Karwa Chauth 2026 is on Thursday, 29 October in India, and on Wednesday, 28 October in the USA and Canada.
What time will the moon rise on Karwa Chauth 2026?
In most North Indian cities, roughly between 8 PM and 9 PM on 29 October. The exact time depends on your city, so check a local panchang on the day.
Can I drink water during the Karwa Chauth fast?
The traditional fast is nirjala, meaning without water. Many families allow water or fruit for health reasons. Follow your family's custom and your doctor's advice.
What is given in Karwa Chauth baya?
Baya usually includes dry fruits, sweets, mathri, clothes such as a saree or suit, and some cash, given to the mother-in-law. Customs vary by family.
Wishing you a blessed Karwa Chauth from all of us at KrishnaPriya.