Karwa Chauth 2025: Date, rituals, fasting tips, mistakes to avoid & ways to make the festival special

Karwa Chauth is one of the most cherished festivals for married Hindu women, especially in northern and western India. Observed every year during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Kartik, the festival symbolizes love, devotion, and marital harmony. On this day, women observe a strict fast — refraining from food and water from sunrise to moonrise — praying for the long life and prosperity of their husbands.

The fast concludes once the moon is sighted, followed by prayers and offerings to the moon god. Traditionally, women end their fast only after their husband offers them water and the first bite of food. In 2025, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 10.

Karva Chauth Tips

• High-Protein Sargi: Begin the day with a nutritious Sargi — the pre-dawn meal — rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates. Include foods like nuts, milk, oats, quinoa, and brown rice to maintain energy throughout the day.

• Take breaks when needed: Avoid overexertion. Gentle movement is fine, but take short breaks whenever you feel fatigued. This helps conserve energy for the entire day.

• Consider partial fasting if needed: If you feel extremely low on energy, don’t push yourself to continue without hydration. Sip on ORS, glucose water, or a simple mix of salt and sugar in water to regain strength.

• Light and comfortable fabrics: Choose breathable fabrics such as georgette, chiffon, or cotton silk over heavy sarees or lehengas. These materials allow comfort during long hours while keeping your look festive.

• Break the fast with water: Begin by drinking water before consuming any food. Hydration is essential after a long fast. Light snacks or fruits can follow, and a full meal should be eaten a bit later.

Karwa Chauth 2025: Mistakes To Avoid

• Women observing the fast should avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause dehydration.
• During the festival, avoid wearing black or white outfits — instead, choose red or yellow, which are considered auspicious and radiate positivity.
• Refrain from eating fried or oily foods while breaking the fast, as they can upset the stomach and cause bloating or acidity.
• Always begin your day with Sargi, which provides essential nourishment for lasting energy.
• According to traditional beliefs, women should avoid using sharp objects like knives, needles, or scissors on this day.

Karva Chauth 2025: How To Make It Special

• Mehendi holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing prosperity and a blissful marriage. Married women should apply henna/mehndi a day before the festival for good fortune.
• Before the puja, women adorn themselves with Solah Shringar — the sixteen traditional ornaments that signify marriage, including mangalsutra, bindi, bichiya, sindoor, bangles, and more.
• These customs not only enhance the festive spirit but also reflect the deep emotional and spiritual bond shared between partners.