Overview

• Indian Express, citing DrikPanchang, lists moonrise at about 8:36 pm, which marks the end of the day-long fast.
• The festival is primarily observed by married women across northern and western India, who fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ well-being.
• Rituals begin before dawn with Sargi from the mother-in-law, featuring fruits, dry fruits, sweets, whole-wheat breads, hydrating drinks like lassi or coconut water, and curd or raita.
• Customs include applying henna, wearing traditional attire, performing evening puja with idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, and reciting the Karwa Chauth katha.
• Guides highlight precautions for strict nirjala fasts; Times Now notes that women on periods may opt out or have a family member conduct the puja while they participate by listening and break the fast after offering water to the moon.