Karva Chauth 2018: Significance, Shubh Muhurat and Puja Vidhi

A nirjala fast is observed by women on the day of Karva Chauth which means no food and water for the entire day. After observing the fast for the whole day, women offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kartik to bless them with a blissful married life.

There are many stories associated with this festival. One of them is the story of Queen Veervati.  

Veervati was the only sister of seven brothers. She was at her parent’s house when she observed her first fast of Karva Chauth. She began her fast after sunrise but, by the evening, she suffered severe thirst and hunger.

Her seven brothers could not see their sister in such condition and created a mirror in a pipal tree that made it look as if the moon had risen. Veervati mistook it for the moon and broke her fast. The moment she took her first morsel, a message came that her husband was dead. She was heartbroken and she spent the whole night weeping until a Goddess appeared before her and asked her the reason for crying. 

When she explained it to her, the Goddess revealed how she had been tricked by her brothers. The Goddess instructed her to repeat the Karva Chauth fast with complete devotion. Veervati took the decision of the observing the fast. By looking at Veervati’s devotion towards her husband, Yama (God of death) was compelled to restore her husband to life.

Preparation of Karva Chauth starts few days in advance. From clothes, jewellery to mehendi and makeup, women during Karva Chauth dresses up in their best. 
On the day of the fast, married women wake up early in the morning before sunrise to eat sargi. 

Women had to stay without water and food for the whole day after having sargi. They can only eat after they see the moon in the evening. Once the moon is spotted, the puja is performed; they offer water to the moon in order to seek blessings. Women break their fast with water and food after all rituals are done.

Sargi is provided by mother-in-law as token of love to daughter-in-law. 

Karva Chauth Muhurat: 05:36 pm to 06:54 pm (17:36 to 18:53)

(Duration: 1 hour 17 minutes)

Karva Chauth moon rise time: 08:00 pm (20:00)

Chaturthi Tithi begins at 06:37 pm on 27th October 2018

Chaturthi Tithi ends at 04:54 pm on 28th October 2018