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Karwa Chauth 2025: Rituals, Fasting Tips & How to Celebrate
Karwa Chauth is one of the most cherished festivals for married women in India, celebrated with love, devotion, and traditional rituals. On this day, women observe a day-long fast for the well-being, prosperity, and long life of their husbands. The festival not only symbolises faith and dedication but also strengthens the bond of marriage. Rooted in Indian tradition, Karwa Chauth is marked by beautiful customs, from the pre-dawn meal of sargi to the evening puja and finally breaking the fast after sighting the moon.
In 2025, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on Thursday, 9th October 2025, with the fast beginning at 10:54 pm on 9th October and ending at 7:38 pm on 10th October. The festival will be observed with the same enthusiasm across India, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. Beyond its religious aspect, it has become a celebration of love and togetherness, where families come together to support and honour the women observing the fast.
Significance & Origins
Karwa Chauth holds deep cultural and spiritual value in India. The word “Karwa” means earthen pot, which symbolises peace and prosperity, while “Chauth” refers to the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated by married women who observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the health, longevity, and success of their husbands. Over time, it has also become a celebration of love, trust, and togetherness between couples.
The origins of Karwa Chauth can be traced back to ancient times, when women prayed for the safe return of their husbands who went to fight in wars or travelled far away for trade. It was also seen as a time when women strengthened their bond of sisterhood by supporting one another during the long fast. Even today, Karwa Chauth is observed with the same spirit of devotion and community, blending age-old traditions with modern expressions of love.
Rituals and Traditions
Sargi (Pre-Dawn Meal)
Sargi is prepared by the mother-in-law for the daughter-in-law.
This includes fruits, sweets, nuts, dry fruits, savoury dishes, and coconut (considered lucky).
Provides energy for the day-long fast.
Fasting
A strict no-meal day is observed from sunrise to moonrise.
Married women dress traditionally, apply mehendi (henna), and engage in prayers throughout the day.
Mehendi & Solah Shringar
Applying Mehendi is an essential part of the celebrations.
Women adorn themselves with Solah Shringar, meaning 16 adornments, including bangles, sindoor, jewellery, and traditional attire, usually in red, yellow, pink, or green colour.
Puja & Katha
In the evening, all women gather for the Karwa Chauth puja (Karwa Chauth special prayer)
The Karwa Chauth Katha (story) is narrated, highlighting the festival’s significance.
Wife then performs rituals with decorated puja thalis (plates with a candle, a flower, and a sweet), often exchanging them in a circle while singing traditional songs.
Moon Sighting & Breaking the Fast
After moonrise, women view the moon through a sieve (chalni) or a dupatta.
They offer prayers and water (Arghya) to the moon.
The husband offers his wife water and food to break the fast, symbolising love and care.
After breaking fast, women receive blessings (ashirwad) from their husbands, elders, and family members for blessings to have a happy and prosperous married life.
Rules of Karwa Chauth Fast
Only married wives observe the fast on Karwa Chauth for the well-being of their husbands.
Fast is broken only after sighting the moon.
Women who are ill, pregnant, or for any other reason cannot fast, and can modify or skip it.
Completely avoid food and water during the fast.
Wearing traditional attire, jewellery, and home decorations is customary.
Pre-fast bath and worship of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are essential.
Married women tie a sacred thread around their husband’s wrist during the puja to offer protection and blessings.
The fast concludes after offering prayers and receiving blessings from the moon.
Karwa Chauth Rituals for Different Women
Unmarried Women
They can observe a modified fast with water only (without food)
They don’t dress up like married woman (avoiding Solah Shringar)
Apply henna to seek blessings from a suitable match
Participate in puja and other traditions but without sieving viewing.
 Newly Married Women
First Karwa Chauth is considered highly sacred and significant.
High expectations from the newlywed to observe the Nirjala fast (very strict fasting)
Sargi is presented to the new bride by her mother-in-law.
The bride’s family may send gifts to the groom’s family.
Exchanging gifts between families and spouses is customary.
Puja Essentials
Karwa Chauth Puja Thali contains a diya, sweets, sindoor, and a karwa (earthen pot).
Evening puja is performed collectively with other women who are participating.
Offerings and prayers made for the husband’s health and happiness strengthen love.
Tips for Fasting
If you are fasting for the blessings and longevity of your spouse, you must be aware of:
Staying hydrated during Sargi – drink water, milk, yoghurt, or coconut water.
Balanced meal before sunrise – include complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats for sustained health till moonlight.
Medical consultation – If you are going through health concerns, consult your doctor.
Sugar and fried items – Avoid sugary and fried items, which help avoid bloating and discomfort.
Experience the Spirit of Indian Festivals
Karwa Chauth is one of many vibrant festivals celebrated across India, each with its own unique rituals, stories, and traditions. Just as Karwa Chauth celebrates love, devotion, and togetherness, other festivals like Diwali mark joy, prosperity, and new beginnings. If you want to explore more about Indian festivals and their rich heritage, check out our guide on Diwali 2025: History, Significance & How It’s Celebrated Across India to see how the Festival of Lights is celebrated across the country.
Celebrating Karwa Chauth in 2025
Celebrating Karwa Chauth is a sacred tradition where spouses offer heartfelt prayers for each other. In 2025, it is heartening to see husbands also choosing to keep fasts for the well-being and longevity of their wives, just as women have been doing for centuries. On this festival, women dress up in traditional sarees or suits, adorn themselves with Solah Shringar (sixteen adornments), apply henna, and prepare a thali while embracing the festive spirit and expressing their love and devotion to their better half. Families come together to share stories and participate in puja, giving their blessings to the couple. The day also marks the exchange of gifts, accompanied by prayers and well wishes, between spouses and family members, adding joy and significance to the spirit of the occasion.
Saving Tips for Karwa Chauth 2025
Celebrating Karwa Chauth can sometimes feel heavy on the pocket, with expenses on new outfits, jewellery, puja essentials, gifts, and festive food. But with some smart planning and the right choices, you can enjoy the festival without overspending. Here are a few saving tips:
Plan Sargi Smartly: Instead of buying everything last minute, purchase dry fruits, sweets, and fruits in advance when prices are lower. Opt for home-cooked savoury dishes to save on costs.
Budget-friendly Outfits: While wearing traditional attire is important, you don’t always need to buy new sarees or suits. Restyle an existing outfit with a new dupatta, accessories, or jewellery to give it a festive look.
Jewellery & Accessories on Discount: Many brands offer festive sales during this season. Check online stores and Saving Says IN to find the best offers on bangles, earrings, bindis, and more.
Puja Essentials at Local Markets: Instead of spending on fancy pre-decorated thalis, buy basic items like diya, karwa, and sindoor from local shops and decorate the thali at home creatively.
Gift Exchanges: Families often exchange gifts during Karwa Chauth. Look for combo deals, online offers, and cashback options to save while still giving thoughtful presents.
Mehendi Savings: Instead of hiring a professional, many women enjoy applying mehendi with friends and family at home, making it both fun and economical.
By following these small saving tips and using the smart guides from Saving Says IN, you can celebrate Karwa Chauth in 2025 with the same love, devotion, and joy, while also being mindful of your budget.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth 2025 is not only about fasting and rituals but also about celebrating love, faith, and the sacred bond of marriage. The festival beautifully blends age-old traditions with modern-day expressions of togetherness, where families and couples come closer in devotion and joy. While the celebrations often involve new outfits, jewellery, puja essentials, and gifts, managing expenses smartly ensures that the festival remains stress-free and memorable. Saving Says IN guides you with the best festive offers, discounts, and money-saving tips so that you can celebrate Karwa Chauth with the same grace and happiness while staying within budget. After all, true joy lies in celebrating devotion with both love and mindful savings.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. When is Karwa Chauth in 2025?
Karwa Chauth in 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, 9th October 2025. The moonrise is expected at 10:24 PM, though timings may vary by city.
Q. What is the significance of fasting on Karwa Chauth?
Fasting symbolises a wife’s love, devotion, and prayers for her husband’s well-being and longevity. It is also seen as a spiritual practice of discipline and dedication.
Q. Can unmarried women observe Karwa Chauth?
Yes, unmarried women may observe a modified fast with water only and participate in puja rituals, often praying for a suitable life partner.
Q. How can I save money while celebrating Karwa Chauth 2025?
You can save money by planning early, opting for budget-friendly outfits and jewellery, making puja essentials at home, and using platforms like Saving Says IN Coupons to get discounts and festive deals on gifts, décor, and accessories.
Q. What is included in the Karwa Chauth Sargi?
Sargi, prepared by the mother-in-law, usually includes fruits, dry fruits, sweets, coconut, and savoury dishes to provide energy for the long day of fasting.
Q. How is the Karwa Chauth fast broken?
After sighting the moon through a sieve or dupatta, women offer water (Arghya) to the moon, pray, and then break their fast when their husbands offer them water and food.
