Karva Chauth 2025: Date, Rituals & What to Wear

Karva Chauth (also spelled Karwa Chauth) is a one-day festival where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their partner’s long life and prosperity. It’s observed widely across North India and by diaspora communities worldwide—and it’s as much about love, family, and community as it is about tradition.

When is Karva Chauth in 2025?

Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day after the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Kartik (Hindu calendar), during Krishna Paksha. In 2025, Karva Chauth is on Friday, 10 October. Exact puja muhurat and moonrise vary by city, so check your local timings a day before.

How the day unfolds (step-by-step)

Pre-dawn (Sargi): The fast begins with sargi, traditionally sent by the mother-in-law—fruits, sweets, parathas, dry fruits, and tea/nutrition to sustain the fast.
Daytime: Women apply mehendi, get dressed, and gather to hear the Karva Chauth katha. Homes prep the thali, diya, sieve (chalni), karva pot, and gifts (baya).
Evening Puja: Groups perform puja, exchange thalis, and sing folk songs.
Moonrise: Once the moon rises, water is offered; the sieve ritual is performed; the fast is broken—often with the first sip/bite offered by the husband.

What to wear on Karva Chauth

Choose outfits that feel bridal-festive yet comfortable for a full day of rituals.

Sarees (classic & graceful)

• Go traditional with reds, maroons, and golds—colors tied to prosperity and marital bliss.

• Fabrics that drape well: silk, georgette, chiffon, organza.

• Embellishments like zari, sequins, mirror-work, resham add ceremonial shine.

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Lehengas (statement evening looks)

• For the evening puja and moonrise, a red or maroon embroidered lehenga with a light dupatta drape is timeless.

• Prefer minimal weight? Try satin-silk or georgette lehengas with can-can for shape but easy movement.

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Salwar suits & shararas (comfort + elegance)

• Day-long friendly: Anarkali suits, straight suits, or sharara/gharara sets in silk/chinon/georgette with zari/sequence/resham detailing.

• Great if you’ll be visiting relatives, hosting, or managing rituals.

Explore: All Salwar Suit Collections

Styling tips

• Dupatta drape: Over one shoulder for mobility during the day; switch to a front pallu for the moonrise ritual.

• Jewelry: Red/green glass bangles, jhumkas, a delicate mangalsutra, and a bindi complete the look.

• Makeup: Soft base, kohl-rimmed eyes, and a classic red lip that reads festive in photos.

• Couple coordination: Partners can match accents—her dupatta border with his pocket square, for example.

Gifts & traditions

• For wives: jewelry, embroidered dupattas, vanity sets, or curated gift boxes.

• For mothers-in-law: sarees, shawls, sweets, and skincare.

• For friends/sisters: bangles, cosmetics, hair accessories, small keepsakes.

Last-minute checklist

• Confirm local moonrise time and puja muhurat.

• Prep thali items (diya, roli, chawal, sweets, sieve, water/karva).

• Schedule mehendi the evening before.

• If ordering outfits, choose express shipping and keep tailoring minimal or ready-to-wear.

FAQ (quick answers)

What is Karva Chauth?
A North-Indian festival where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husband’s long life.

Is water allowed during the fast?
Traditionally, it’s a nirjala (no water) fast. Follow your family’s custom and your health needs.

Which colors are best?
Red, maroon, green, gold are classic; jewel tones also work beautifully.

What should I buy in advance?
Outfit, bangles, mehendi supplies, thali/karva items, sweets, and gifts.

How fast can Zarivelle deliver?
We dispatch ready-to-ship pieces quickly and use express couriers. Delivery is typically 2–5 business days from dispatch, depending on destination.