Karwa Chauth 2025 is a significant festival observed with devotion by married women across India and beyond.

For this festival, women fast all day and pray for their husband's long life and prosperity, with some men also joining the tradition in modern times.

Rooted in cultural history and spiritual symbolism, the celebration of Karwa Chauth continues to unite families and communities every year.

In 2025, the festival is expected to be filled with traditional practices, rituals, and evolving trends that balance heritage with contemporary life.

Discover everything you need to know about Karwa Chauth 2025, from its meaning and history to rituals and places to experience this celebration.

Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly by married women in Northern and Western India, as well as by communities in Nepal.

The word Karwa means earthen pot, symbolising prosperity and togetherness.

Meanwhile, Chauth simply translates to the fourth, marking the fourth day of the waning moon in the Kartik month.

On this day, women observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise, often refraining even from drinking water.

The fast is kept as a prayer for the health, well-being, and longevity of their husbands.

Traditionally, this is a deeply spiritual occasion where women wear festive clothes, jewellery, and henna for group prayers.

The festival also involves exchanging gifts, decorating puja thalis, and listening to the Karwa Chauth katha (story).

Beyond religious devotion, the festival is a celebration of love, trust, and companionship between partners.

In modern times, it has evolved into a shared event where couples support each other.

Even younger generations participate in their first Karva Chauth with enthusiasm, blending ritual with romance.

Karwa Chauth 2025 will be observed on Friday, 10 October 2025.

The festival always falls on the Chaturthi tithi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

In the Gregorian calendar, this usually takes place in October or November, around ten days before Diwali.

On this day, women begin fasting before sunrise and continue until the moonrise in the evening. 

The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and performing the rituals with their husbands. 

Knowing the exact timings is essential, as both the puja and the moonrise have specific schedules to be followed.

Here is the detailed Karwa Chauth 2025 calendar:

Marking these times on the Karva Chauth calendar helps families prepare for the rituals and ensures the fast is carried out properly.

The origins of Karwa Chauth are deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology.

Over centuries, stories and legends have explained why this festival carries such importance.

Here are some of the most well-known tales:

Veeravati was a beautiful princess, the only sister of seven loving brothers.

On her first Karwa Chauth after marriage, she observed a fast but became weak by evening.

Unable to watch her suffer, her brothers tricked her into believing that the moon had risen by creating a false glow.

She broke her fast, only to later learn that her husband had died.

Distraught, she prayed with complete devotion.

Goddess Parvati then restored her husband’s life, emphasising the importance of keeping the fast with sincerity.

Another tale tells of Savitri, whose husband Satyavan was destined to die young.

When Yama, the god of death, came to claim his soul, Savitri pleaded and fasted with unwavering faith.

Moved by her devotion, Yama granted Satyavan his life back.

This story is often linked with Karwa Chauth as it symbolises the strength of a wife’s prayers for her husband’s longevity.

In the Mahabharata, Draupadi observed the Karwa Chauth fast for Arjuna’s safety when he was away for penance.

Following Lord Krishna’s advice, she performed the rituals with full faith, and her husband returned safely.

This tale highlights the spiritual foundation of the festival.

According to legend, a woman named Karva was devoted to her husband.

One day, when her husband was attacked by a crocodile, she tied the creature with cotton thread and prayed to Yama to save him.

Yama, impressed by her courage and devotion, spared her husband’s life.

This legend is believed to be the inspiration for the name “Karwa Chauth”.

Historically, Karwa Chauth also began as a way for women to form bonds with others in their community.

They would come together, exchange gifts and create lifelong friendships, making the festival both spiritual and social in nature.

Karwa Chauth rituals are followed with dedication from dawn to moonrise.

Each step has spiritual and cultural meaning that adds to the festival’s charm.

The day begins before sunrise with sargi, a meal prepared by the mother-in-law.

It usually includes fruits, dry fruits, sweets, and light dishes to give strength during the fast. 

Eating sargi for Karwa Chauth is considered both a blessing and a tradition.

Women observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise.

Many follow nirjala vrat, meaning no food or water.

The fast is a symbol of devotion and prayer for the husband’s long life.

Henna or mehendi is applied to the hands and feet.

It is believed to bring good luck and happiness.

Women also dress up in festive attire and adorn jewellery.

In the evening, women gather with decorated thalis for the puja.

They worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha.

During the ritual, the Karwa Chauth katha is recited, reminding everyone of the legends behind the festival.

When the moon rises, women look at it through a sieve, then at their husbands.

They offer arghya (water) to the moon, followed by prayers.

The husband then gives water or sweets to his wife, marking the end of the fast.

Read also: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the Elephant God Festival

The observance of Karwa Chauth comes with a set of rules that women and, in some cases, men follow with devotion.

These rules ensure the fast is meaningful and performed with the right spirit.

Karwa Chauth is more than a fast; it is a celebration of love, faith, and togetherness.

The ways of celebrating may differ across regions, but the essence remains the same.

Women often come together in neighbourhoods, temples, or family homes for the evening puja. 

This sense of community strengthens bonds and creates a joyful atmosphere.

Many women wear traditional attire such as sarees or lehengas, often in red or gold.

Adorning jewellery and mehendi completes the festive look, adding to the spirit of the day.

The puja is a central part of the celebration.

Women decorate their thalis, sing devotional songs, and listen to the Karwa Chauth katha.

It is both a spiritual and cultural moment shared with others.

Families and friends exchange gifts as tokens of affection.

Husbands often surprise their wives with jewellery, clothing or personalised presents, making the day even more memorable.

In recent times, Karva Chauth for men has become more common.

Many husbands fast alongside their wives as a gesture of love and equality.

Virtual celebrations also allow couples living apart to join rituals together through video calls.

Food plays an essential role in Karwa Chauth because the fast is long and demanding.

What is eaten before and after the fast directly affects energy and health throughout the day.

The early morning meal often contains energy-rich foods to help sustain the fast.

Whole grains like multigrain rotis or oats provide slow-releasing energy.

Nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts give strength, while bananas and apples supply natural sugars and hydration.

Before sunrise, women are encouraged to drink coconut water, herbal teas, or plain water. 

Proper hydration is important because during the fast, especially in nirjala vrat (without water), dehydration can become a challenge.

When the fast is broken at moonrise, it is recommended to begin with something light.

Warm milk, soup, or fruit is often chosen first to ease digestion.

Eating heavy or oily food immediately can cause discomfort after a full day of fasting.

Sweets are a key part of the celebration.

Popular choices include kheer, barfi, laddoo, and rasgulla.

These not only break the fast on a sweet note but also symbolise joy in the household.

Many families prepare comforting dishes such as khichdi, puri with sabzi, or dal chawal.

These foods are filling yet easy on the stomach.

They also allow everyone to share a family meal together after the rituals.

In recent years, healthier versions of traditional foods have been added.

Quinoa kheer, avocado parathas, or millet-based rotis are becoming part of the menu.

These options maintain the festive touch while offering better nutrition.

The Karwa Chauth celebration is not limited to the home.

Many families and communities choose to mark the festival in special places that enhance the spirit of the day.

Temples are among the most common places to celebrate Karwa Chauth.

Women gather to perform the puja, sing devotional songs, and listen to the katha.

Temples in North India often see large groups of devotees coming together for the rituals.

In many cities, neighbourhood groups arrange Karwa Chauth events in community centres or open parks.

These gatherings provide space for collective prayers, storytelling, and sharing decorated thalis. 

It is also a way for women to meet others and strengthen community bonds.

Markets become especially busy during Karwa Chauth, as families shop for attire, jewellery, and pooja items.

Visiting traditional bazaars is not only about buying things but also experiencing the festive atmosphere that surrounds the day.

Many families celebrate at a relative’s home.

It allows everyone to come together, observe the fast collectively, and enjoy a shared meal after the moonrise.

Celebrating in this way keeps the festival intimate and memorable.

Some couples and families now travel to cultural cities and resorts to celebrate Karwa Chauth in a special way.

Here are a few popular destinations in North India:

Karwa Chauth 2025 is more than a fast; it is a celebration of love, tradition, and devotion.

From the early morning preparations to the evening rituals under the moonlight, every step carries deep cultural meaning.

Whether it is the first Karva Chauth for a newly married couple or a yearly family tradition, the festival strengthens relationships and brings people closer.

If you wish to experience Karwa Chauth 2025 in India, make your journey easier with Traveloka.

Booking flights, hotels, and attractions is simple and convenient on one platform.

With just a few taps, you can compare options, find the best deals, and confirm your bookings.

Traveloka ensures that your trip is smooth, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration and creating lasting memories.

Read also: Travelling from Singapore to Tiruchirappalli: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Karwa Chauth 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, 10 October. According to the Karva Chauth calendar, the puja muhurat is from 5:57 to 7:11 pm, and the moonrise is expected at 8:13 pm.

Traditionally, married Hindu women observe the fast for their husbands’ long life.

In modern times, unmarried women also keep the fast in hopes of finding a good partner, and some men join as part of Karva Chauth for men to support their wives.

Sargi for Karwa Chauth typically includes fruits, dry fruits, sweets, dairy products, and light meals prepared by the mother-in-law.

It provides strength to sustain the day-long fast.

To perform the ritual, prepare a decorated pooja thali with a sieve, diya, sweets, and water in a karva (earthen pot).

During the puja, worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha, listen to the Karwa Chauth katha, and later offer water to the moon before breaking the fast.

A typical Karwa Chauth shopping list includes mehendi, bangles, festive attire, cosmetics, decorated thalis, and puja essentials.

Many families also buy sweets and gifts to exchange during the Karwa Chauth celebration.