Karwa Chauth 2026: Moon sighting time and auspicious puja hours announced

Karwa Chauth, one of India's most significant festivals observed by married women, will see its culmination this year as devotees await the lunar appearance to mark the end of their daylong fast. The festival, celebrated to pray for the longevity and well-being of spouses, involves a series of rituals that conclude only after the moon becomes visible in the evening sky.

The moonrise timing is crucial for those observing the fast, as the breaking of the fast is directly linked to moon sighting. Once the moon appears on the horizon, devotees perform the ritualistic viewing before finally consuming food and water after maintaining their fast throughout the day.

The auspicious window for performing Karwa Chauth puja has been determined based on astronomical calculations. Devotees are advised to complete their prayers and moon viewing within this prescribed time frame to ensure the rituals are performed during the most favorable period. The puja duration and specific timings have been calculated to align with traditional observances and lunar positions.

After successfully sighting the moon, women traditionally offer prayers and perform the puja ceremony before breaking their fast with their husbands or family members. The completion of these rituals holds significant spiritual importance in Hindu tradition, with believers maintaining the fast with devotion and hope for marital happiness and longevity.