"Karwa Chauth 2024: Don't Miss the Muhurat for Worship and Moonrise Time Tomorrow"

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The Karwa Chauth fast holds immense importance for married women in Hinduism. It is observed on the *Chaturthi* (fourth day) of the waning phase of the *Kartik* month, which, in 2024, falls on October 20. According to religious beliefs, performing this fast with devotion brings long life and prosperity to one’s husband. Karwa Chauth is specifically observed for the well-being, longevity, and peaceful married life of women’s spouses. On this day, women keep a strict fast without consuming food or even water (*nirjala*) and break the fast only after sighting the moon in the evening.

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The Mythological Significance of Karwa Chauth

Several mythological stories highlight the significance of Karwa Chauth. One such legend states that Lord Krishna advised Draupadi to observe this fast, while Lord Shiva imparted its knowledge to Goddess Parvati. During this fast, women primarily worship Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and the moon. It is believed that observing this fast grants married women eternal fortune (*Akhanda Saubhagya*) and ensures a long life for their husbands.

Karwa Chauth Auspicious Timings

According to the Hindu calendar, the *Chaturthi* tithi of Karwa Chauth will begin at 6:46 AM on October 20, 2024, and will end at 4:16 AM on October 21. There will be two auspicious timings (*muhurats*) for the prayers. The first will be the *Abhijit Muhurat* from 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM, and the second, *Vijay Muhurat*, will be from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM. The moonrise is expected at 7:54 PM, which is the ideal time for worship and breaking the fast.

Rituals of Karwa Chauth

The rituals of Karwa Chauth are performed with great devotion and discipline. The day begins before sunrise, when women take a bath and clean their place of worship. They then consume a meal given by their mother-in-law, known as *sargi*. After this, they take a vow to keep a *nirjala* fast for the entire day.

Throughout the day, women abstain from food and water. In the evening, the rituals begin with the worship of the moon. An earthen platform is prepared where idols of deities are placed. Along with this, 10 to 13 earthen pots (*karwas*) are kept, which are an essential part of the ritual. The prayer plate contains items like incense, a lamp, sandalwood, vermilion, and sacred threads (*roli*). The lamp is filled with enough clarified butter (*ghee*) to ensure it remains lit throughout the prayer.

The Karwa Chauth Story and Moon Gazing

An important part of the Karwa Chauth ritual is listening to or narrating the Karwa Chauth story. One popular legend tells of a devoted wife who revived her husband from death through her unwavering faith and commitment to her fast. After the story is recited, the women prepare to gaze at the moon.

Before gazing at the moon, women use a sieve to view the moon, symbolically filtering blessings. After seeing the moon, they offer water (*arghya*) and pray for their husband’s long and happy life. After this, women place sweets, fruits, nuts, and money in a plate and present it to their mother-in-law, seeking her blessings. In return, the mother-in-law blesses her daughter-in-law with eternal marital bliss (*Akhanda Saubhagya*), which is the main purpose of the fast.

Important Things to Remember on Karwa Chauth

There are certain customs that women must observe on Karwa Chauth. Those fasting should avoid salt and pray to Lord Ganesha throughout the day by chanting mantras. Once the moon rises, the moon is worshipped with an offering of water, following which Lord Ganesha and the deity of Chaturthi are also given offerings. After the prayers, the *karwas* are distributed among other married women.

The fast is traditionally observed for a minimum of 12 or 16 years, after which women may perform a *udyapan* ceremony (completion of the fast’s cycle). It is crucial to maintain discipline and observe the fast with full dedication. Women who are observing this fast for the first time should take extra care to follow the rituals correctly.

Karwa Chauth: A Symbol of Marital Bliss

Karwa Chauth is not just a religious ritual but also a symbol of love and devotion. The fast represents a woman’s deep love, trust, and dedication toward her husband. The primary aim of the fast is to pray for the husband’s long life and to ensure a harmonious and joyful married life.

On the occasion of Karwa Chauth, women dress in traditional attire and keep the fast throughout the day for their husbands. After the rituals are completed, they break their fast and share a meal with their family, celebrating the deepening of their relationship.

Conclusion

Karwa Chauth is a sacred and significant fast for married women in Hinduism. It holds importance not only from a religious perspective but also from a familial and societal one. On this day, women pray for the long life and prosperity of their husbands, and they undertake this challenging fast to ensure the happiness and well-being of their families.