Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi (Karwa Chauth)
गणाधिप संकष्टी चतुर्थी (करवा चौथ)
One of the most famous and culturally celebrated Chaturthis in India: KARWA CHAUTH. Married women observe an austere waterless fast (Nirjala) for the longevity and health of their husbands, concluding with Ganesha worship and moon sighting through a sieve.
Exact Moon Sighting Time for Fast Breaking
* Note: If clouds obscure direct visibility, devotees should offer Arghya facing the eastern sky at the designated timing.
Ganadhipa Maha Peetha
ॐ गणाधिपाय नमः। ॐ शिवायै नमः॥
Oṁ gaṇādhipāya namaḥ | Oṁ śivāyai namaḥ ||
“Salutations to Lord Ganadhipa (Ganesha); salutations to Divine Mother Shivaa (Parvati).”
Pauranic Vrat Katha & Sacred Origin
The Mahabharata records that Queen Draupadi, distressed during the Pandavas' exile, sought Sri Krishna's counsel. Krishna narrated the sacred story of Queen Veeravati who observed the Karwa Chauth fast with unwavering devotion, restoring her dying husband to health through the grace of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.
Step-by-Step Puja & Moon Arghya Vidhi
- 1Consume the pre-dawn meal (Sargi) before sunrise.
- 2Observe strict Nirjala (waterless) fasting throughout the day.
- 3In the evening, gather for the Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha and worship Lord Ganesha and Mother Parvati with decorative earthen pots (Karwas).
- 4At moonrise (approx. 08:15 PM in Delhi, 08:38 PM in Mumbai), view the Moon through a sieve, offer Arghya, behold your husband, and break the fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Moonrise time for Karwa Chauth on October 29, 2026?
The moon rises at approximately 08:15 PM in Delhi, 08:38 PM in Mumbai, 08:24 PM in Bengaluru, and 07:38 PM in Kolkata on October 29, 2026.
How is Karwa Chauth related to Sankashti Chaturthi?
Karwa Chauth is precisely the Kartika Krishna Paksha Sankashti Chaturthi. The fast is governed by Lord Ganesha (Ganadhipa) and concludes strictly with the sighting and worship of the rising Moon.