Karva Chauth Vrat

Karva Chauth is a day-long fast observed by married women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. The katha tells the story of Queen Veeravati, whose brothers tricked her into breaking her fast before moonrise with a false moon, leading to her husband's death — and her year-long penance to restore him through Parvati's grace.

Kartik Krishna Chaturthi (4th day of waning moon in Kartik month) — typically October/November. Observed from sunrise to moonrise.

Observing Karva Chauth with sincere devotion ensures the husband's long life, good health, and prosperity. It strengthens the marital bond and the couple receives the blessings of Shiva and Parvati.

Wake before sunrise, eat sargi (pre-dawn meal prepared by mother-in-law). Fast without food or water from sunrise to moonrise. Apply mehndi and wear bridal attire. In the evening, gather with other women to listen to the Karva Chauth Katha. Prepare a puja thali with a karva (earthen pot), diya, sweets, and offerings. When the moon rises, view it through a sieve, then look at the husband's face through the sieve. The husband offers water and the first bite of food to break the fast.