Karva Chauth 2024: Moon sighting times and auspicious hours for fast-breaking

The Karva Chauth fast, observed by married women across India, concludes with the sighting of the moon after sunset. The auspicious period for worship of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Karva Mata falls between 5:53 PM and 6:56 PM during the twilight hours, according to religious calendars.

In the national capital Delhi, the moon is expected to be visible at 8:17 PM, providing a clear window for devotees to complete their evening prayers and rituals. However, the exact timing of moon sighting varies considerably across different regions and major cities throughout the country, depending on geographical location and atmospheric conditions.

Devotees planning to observe the fast are advised to check the specific moon sighting timings for their respective cities, as variations can be significant even between nearby urban centers. Local astronomical data and religious calendars can provide precise timing information for individual regions. The fast traditionally concludes only after the moon is sighted and prayers are offered, following customs that have been observed for generations across North India and among Hindu communities nationwide.