Karwa Chauth Puja Vidhi
Karwa Chauth, observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi, is the most important fast for married Hindu women. Wives observe a waterless (nirjala) fast for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening and offering arghya. The tradition is based on the Shiva-Parvati dialogue.
Kartik Krishna Chaturthi (October–November)
Moonrise time (varies by city)
Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Karwa (clay pot with lid)
- Sieve for moon-sighting
- Lamp and incense
- Adornments: mehendi, sindoor, bangles, bindi
- Karwa Chauth Katha book
- Water, milk, sweets
- Roli, akshata, turmeric
- Thali, lota for arghya
- Husband photo or mirror
Puja Procedure — Steps
सरगी (प्रातःकालीन भोजन)
Eat the pre-dawn meal (Sargi) given by mother-in-law before sunrise — includes fruits, sweets, dry fruits. After sunrise, complete food and water fast begins.
श्रृंगार एवं व्रत-संकल्प
Bathe and adorn with 16 bridal decorations. Wear new or red clothes. Take the sankalp for husband's long life.
करवा चौथ कथा (सायंकालीन पूजा)
In the evening, women gather together. An elder recites the Karwa Chauth Katha. Women pass the thali around, chanting "Karwa lo."
चन्द्र-दर्शन एवं अर्घ्य
When the moon rises, view it through the sieve, then view husband's face through the sieve. Offer arghya of water, akshata and milk to the moon.
व्रत-पारण
Husband offers water and sweets to wife. Wife then eats. Fill the Karwa with water/milk and donate to a Brahmin lady or mother-in-law.
Main Mantra
Om Somaya Namah ।
Benefits of this Puja
Karwa Chauth vrat ensures husband's longevity, marital bliss, love and harmony, and family peace. According to Puranas, this vrat grants the same husband for seven births.
