Overview
- Fasting is expected from around 6:19 AM to 8:13 PM, with city-wise muhurat and moonrise variations published for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and more.
- The Chaturthi tithi runs from 10:54 PM on Oct 9 to 7:38 PM on Oct 10, and the observance is set for Oct 10 because the tithi must be present at moonrise.
- Core rites include a pre-dawn sargi, a nirjala fast, evening puja, offering arghya with a karwa, viewing the moon through a sieve and then breaking the fast with water and a first bite from the husband.
- Practical guidance urges a nutritious sargi, rest, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, considering partial fasting or ORS/glucose if needed, and breaking the fast with water and light foods.
- If the moon is not visible, reported options include worshipping an image showing Chandra on Shiva’s forehead, drawing the moon with rice grains or venerating a silver coin as a symbolic moon before concluding the fast.