Karwa Chauth 2024: Know moonrise timing, puja method and precautions—are you prepared?

INDC Network : Karwa Chauth 2024: A Sacred Festival for Married Women

Karwa Chauth, a significant Hindu festival, will be celebrated on 20th October 2024. This auspicious day is marked by married women observing a rigorous fast, known as the Nirjala Vrat, where they abstain from both food and water to pray for their husband's longevity and the prosperity of their marital life.

The festival falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha, and it holds a deep spiritual significance. Women perform various rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gauri, and the Moon. According to religious beliefs, fasting on Karwa Chauth ensures a long and healthy life for the husband and strengthens the marital bond.

Historical and Mythological Significance

It is believed that the importance of Karwa Chauth was first narrated by Lord Krishna to Draupadi during the Mahabharata period. Additionally, Lord Shiva is said to have shared the significance of this fast with Goddess Parvati, further elevating the spiritual value of this tradition.

Key Timings for Karwa Chauth 2024: Muhurat and Chandrodaya

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi begins on 20th October 2024, at 6:46 AM and will end on 21st October 2024, at 4:16 AM. For those observing the fast, it is essential to follow the precise timings for the Karwa Chauth Puja and the moonrise (Chandroday) for the rituals.

There will be two specific muhurats for performing the Karwa Chauth puja:

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM
• Vijay Muhurat: 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM

The most awaited Chandrodaya (Moonrise) is expected at 7:54 PM on 20th October. It is during this time that women break their fast after offering prayers to the Moon.

Karwa Chauth 2024 Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

1. Early Morning Preparations:
   Begin the day by waking up before sunrise and taking a bath. Clean the prayer room and consume Sargi (a meal given by the mother-in-law) to sustain through the day.

2. Vrat Sankalp:
   Offer prayers to the deities and take a vow to observe a Nirjala Vrat (without food and water) until moonrise.

3. Setting Up the Puja:
   In the evening, prepare a mud altar (vedi) and place 10-13 Karwas (special earthen pots) on it. Arrange puja samagri like incense, lamps, sandalwood, vermilion, and sindoor in a thali (plate). Ensure there’s enough ghee in the lamp to keep it burning throughout the ritual.

4. Puja and Karwa Chauth Story:
   The puja usually begins an hour before moonrise. Gather the women of the family and narrate or listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha (story).

5. Moonrise and Chandra Puja:
   Once the moon is visible, offer prayers using a sieve to view the moon, followed by giving Arghya (water offering) to the moon. This marks the completion of the fast. Finally, the daughter-in-law should offer sweets, fruits, nuts, and money to her mother-in-law and seek her blessings.

Important Precautions for Karwa Chauth

• After completing the puja, distribute the Karwas to other married women.
• Throughout the day, chant the Ganesh Mantra for focus and devotion.
• Avoid consuming salty food items during the fast, and remember, the fast should ideally be observed for 12 or 16 years consecutively. You can perform the Udyapan (ritual completion) after this period.

Karwa Chauth is not just a tradition; it is a celebration of love, devotion, and the sacred bond of marriage.