When Karwa Chauth 2025 rolls around on Friday, October 10, married women across the subcontinent—and even in parts of the United States—will be checking their watches like never before. According to Drik Panchang, the official puja muhurat in New Delhi runs from 05:57 PM to 07:11 PM IST, while the moon is slated to crest the horizon at 08:13 PM IST. The same day, observers in Washington DC will look up at around 08:49 PM EDT, per a live YouTube broadcast. Why does a half‑hour difference feel like a lifetime? Because breaking the fast hinges on that first sliver of moonlight.
Why Karwa Chauth still matters
The ritual isn’t just another calendar entry. As The Economic Times puts it, it’s “an expression of love and emotional commitment,” a promise that a wife makes for her husband’s longevity. Its mythic roots trace back to Goddess Parvati’s own fast to reunite with Lord Shiva. That story still resonates: even single women sometimes fast, hoping the devotion will attract a loyal partner. Roughly 70 million women in India are expected to observe the fast this year, according to industry estimates—an awe‑inspiring figure that makes the timing details crucial.
City‑wise puja muhurat windows
Different metros have slightly shifted windows, often because of local sunrise‑sunset calculations. Below is a quick reference most women will keep on their phones:
- New Delhi: 5:57 PM – 7:11 PM
- Noida: 5:56 PM – 7:10 PM
- Ahmedabad: 6:19 PM – 7:32 PM
- Mumbai: 6:19 PM – 7:33 PM
- Pune: 6:16 PM – 7:29 PM
- Bengaluru: 6:04 PM – 7:16 PM
- Chennai: 5:53 PM – 7:06 PM
- Jaipur: 6:04 PM – 7:18 PM
- Hyderabad: 5:58 PM – 7:11 PM
- Gurugram: 5:58 PM – 7:12 PM
- Chandigarh: 5:57 PM – 7:12 PM
- Kolkata: 5:16 PM – 6:29 PM
Notice the gap in Kolkata? The city’s earlier puja window reflects its longitudinal position. The difference may only be a few minutes, but for a ritual that hinges on exact moments, each minute counts.
Moonrise timings – from Delhi’s skyline to the US capital
Moonrise doesn’t always line up with puja. Moneycontrol reported the following moonrise figures for October 10:
- New Delhi: 8:13 PM IST
- Noida: 8:13 PM IST
- Mumbai: 8:55 PM IST
- Pune: 8:52 PM IST
- Ahmedabad: 8:47 PM IST
- Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand): 7:54 PM IST
- Sundernagar (Himachal Pradesh): 8:06 PM IST
Across the border, the live YouTube stream titled “When Will the Moon Rise in Your City?” noted Washington DC’s moonrise at 8:49 PM EDT. That’s roughly a 36‑minute lag behind Delhi, a difference that travelers will have to accommodate when they’re on a business trip or a honeymoon dinner.
How the day unfolds – from sunrise preparations to moonlit breaking
Morning starts with a light breakfast and a quick wash. Women adorn their hands with intricate mehndi, dress in bright sarees or lehengas, and gather in community halls or rooftops. The afternoon sees the sharing of stories about the myth of Parvati, and a quick prayer to Gauri for marital bliss.
During the muhurat window, devotees light lamps, offer sweets to Lord Ganesha, and chant verses. The atmosphere smells of incense and rose water, while soft tabla beats echo in the background. Once the moon peeks over the horizon, the elder of the gathering spins a thali and hands it to the fasting wife, who then takes a sip of water and breaks her fast. The moment feels almost cinematic—the sound of a distant qawwali, the hush as everyone watches the silvery disc rise.
In places where the moon is obscured by clouds, women wait for the first visible glimpse. As the YouTube broadcaster warned, “Timing can vary slightly due to horizon, atmospheric conditions, or your specific location.” That line has become a mantra for families checking weather apps minutes before the expected rise.
Media and expert reactions
“The precision of these timings shows how technology and tradition can coexist,” said Ananya Mehta, senior editor at The Economic Times. She added that the growing number of live streams—from Times Now to regional channels—helps diaspora communities stay connected.
Conversely, cultural critic Rohit Kapoor argued that “the surge of social media posts about exact moonrise times sometimes eclipses the deeper spiritual meaning of the fast.” He pointed out that younger participants often treat the event as a photo‑op, sharing selfies of their elaborate outfits instead of reflecting on the legend of Parvati.
Nevertheless, the consensus remains clear: accurate timing is essential, and the blend of traditional prayer with modern astrology apps meets the needs of a digitally savvy audience.
Looking ahead – what 2026 might hold
If 2025’s timing tables were any indication, the next year’s festival will fall on a Wednesday, September 24. Astronomers predict a slightly earlier moonrise for most metros, giving women a narrower window between puja and moon sighting. Health officials have also begun advising participants to stay hydrated, noting the spike in heat‑related complaints during previous October fasts.
In short, whether you’re in Delhi, Mumbai, or Washington, the core ritual stays the same: a promise, a prayer, and that first look at the moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the exact moment to break my fast?
First, note the puja muhurat for your city (e.g., 5:57 PM–7:11 PM in New Delhi). Then, watch the sky for the first visible crescent after the listed moonrise time. Once you see the moon, break the fast immediately. Apps like Drik Panchang provide real‑time alerts based on your GPS coordinates.
What if cloudy weather hides the moon?
If clouds persist, wait until the moon peeks through even a sliver. Traditional practice allows a brief delay, but you must see the moon before sipping water. Many families keep a telescope handy or follow live YouTube streams for updates.
Are unmarried women allowed to observe Karwa Chauth?
Yes. While the original rite celebrates an existing marriage, many single women fast hoping the devotion will attract a suitable partner, as noted in The Economic Times. The ritual’s symbolism—the promise of lifelong loyalty—remains relevant.
What health precautions should I take while fasting?
Stay hydrated during pre‑dawn (sehri) meals, avoid excessive caffeine, and limit physical exertion. If you have medical conditions like diabetes, consult a doctor before observing the fast. Experts advise breaking the fast with light, easily digestible foods.
Can I observe Karwa Chauth if I live outside India?
Absolutely. The same muhurat applies, but you’ll adjust the moonrise time to your local timezone. For example, participants in Washington DC should look for the moon at about 8:49 PM EDT. Many diaspora groups hold virtual puja sessions and share live moonrise feeds.
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