It’s that time of the year again when the festival season is in full swing in India. People are preparing for one celebration after another. Right now, we are in the midst of Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra, but Karwa Chauth is also around the corner. Celebrated with great love and enthusiasm, this festival is a major one for married women in India. Karva Chauth falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (fourth day after the full moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik. Also known as Karak Chaturthi, Karva Chauth will be celebrated on October 20, 2024 this year. While this festival is most popular in North India, some southern states also celebrate it after the month of Ashwin as per their regional calendar. Married women observe a fast from sunrise till the sight of the moon at night, without food or even a sip of water.
Read also: When is Durga Puja 2024: Significance and recipes to prepare for the occasion
Karva Chauth 2024: Puja timings and moonrise
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 20, 2024! Here’s when to perform Karva Chauth puja and wait for moonrise:
Puja Timings: 05:46 PM to 07:02 PM (1 hour, 16 minutes)
Upvas (fasting) time: 06:25 am to 07:54 pm (13 hours, 29 minutes)
Moonrise: 07:54 pm
Chaturthi Tithi: Starts at 06:46 AM on October 20, 2024 and ends at 04:16 AM on October 21, 2024 (Source: Drikpanchang.com)
What does Karva Chauth mean and why is it important
Karva Chauth is based on the belief that Goddess Parvati kept the fast to marry Lord Shiva and today women follow this tradition to pray for the long life and strong marriage of their husbands. The day begins with Sargi, a special plate prepared by the mother-in-law for the daughter-in-law, which is eaten before sunrise. It is loaded with goodness like fruits, dry fruits and vermicelli. Throughout the day, women wear traditional attire, apply henna and apply their makeup before the evening puja. After offering water to the moon, women break their fast by drinking water from their husbands’ hands and finally enjoy the meal together.
Here are 5 recipes to make for Karva Chauth:
Here are some delicious dishes to make this day even more special:
Paneer Makhani
Paneer dishes are a must during Indian festivals. This onion-free, garlic-free version of Paneer Makhani made with tomatoes, cashew nuts and whole spices is delicious. Click for recipe
pudding
Halwa is a classic sweet made with semolina, ghee, sugar and cardamom. This is a great dish to break the fast. Click for recipe
Puri
Crispy puris made from wheat flour and semolina, rolled and fried until golden brown. Click for recipe
shortbread
Kachori is a festival favorite of Indian households. Try this version made with lentil stuffing. Click for recipe
potato curry
Potatoes are so versatile! You can make dry potato, dum aloo or simple potato curry for your Karva Chauth feast. Click for recipe
Try them out, join the festivities and enjoy yourself. Happy Karva Chauth 2024!
