Karva Chauth (Karaka Chaturthi) 2025 in India

Karva Chauth, also known as Karaka Chaturthi, is a traditional Hindu festival observed by married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands' long life and well-being. The festival is celebrated with prayers, rituals, and the breaking of the fast upon sighting the moon.

Karva Chauth (Karaka Chaturthi): A Public Holiday?

Karva Chauth is not a public holiday in India. However, in some northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, it is often observed as an optional holiday, allowing individuals to take the day off if listed under their optional holiday choices. Offices, schools, and businesses generally remain open for regular operations.

Karva Chauth (Karaka Chaturthi)

Karva Chauth, also known as Karaka Chaturthi, is an ancient Hindu festival primarily celebrated in northern India. Its roots lie in traditional family values, where women observed fasts for their husbands' well-being and long life, symbolizing love and devotion. The word "Karva" refers to a small earthen pot used during rituals, and "Chauth" means the fourth, as the festival falls on the fourth day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik. Historically, the festival also fostered a sense of community among women, as they shared stories, rituals, and support.

Karva Chauth Celebration in India

Karva Chauth in India is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by married women in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. On this day, women wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called "Sargi," usually prepared by their mothers-in-law. They observe a strict fast, refraining from food and water throughout the day as a gesture of love and prayer for their husbands' health and prosperity. During the evening, women dress in traditional attire, often in vibrant saris or lehengas, and adorn themselves with jewelry and mehndi (henna).

Communal gatherings are common, where women come together to perform puja (prayers) and listen to the Karva Chauth story, which narrates the festival's significance. As the moon rises, women offer water and prayers to the moon before breaking their fast, often with their husbands feeding them the first sip of water or a bite of food.

Karva Chauth holds immense importance as it reflects devotion, marital harmony, and cultural tradition. Beyond its religious roots, the festival strengthens the bond between couples and celebrates the enduring commitment in a marriage. For many, it is also a day of togetherness, bringing families and communities closer. While rooted in tradition, Karva Chauth continues to adapt to modern times, retaining its charm and significance among those who celebrate it.

Karva Chauth (Karaka Chaturthi) Observances