Karva Chauth 2024: Significance, Vrat Procedure, and Auspicious Timings :

Karva Chauth holds a special significance in Indian culture, observed by married women for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. This fast takes place on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. In 2024, Karva Chauth will be celebrated on October 20. Let’s explore the details regarding the significance, procedure, and timings of the Karva Chauth vrat.

When is Karva Chauth?

This year, Karva Chauth will be observed on October 20. The Chaturthi Tithi will begin on October 19 at 6:17 PM and will continue until 3:47 PM on October 20. Since the Chaturthi Tithi will be in effect during the day, it is considered an auspicious day for fasting.

Auspicious Timing

Shubh Muhurat for Puja on October 20, 2024:

• Evening: 5:46 PM to 7:02 PM .

Bhadra Kaal:

Bhadra Kaal will occur from 6:25 AM to 6:46 AM on October 20. It is advised not to perform any auspicious work during this time, as actions taken during Bhadra Kaal may lead to failure.

Significance of Karva Chauth :

Karva Chauth is performed to seek the blessings of Mata Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is believed that Goddess Parvati observed this fast to win Lord Shiva;s love. Additionally, the fast is mentioned in the Mahabharata, where Gandhari and Kunti observed it for the long life of their husbands.

Puja Procedure

Initial Preparations:

• Bathing: Take an early morning bath and wear clean clothes.

• Vrat Sankalp: Take the vow for the fast and recite the following mantra: sanskrit

मम सुखसौभाग्य पुत्रपौत्रादि सुस्थिर श्री प्राप्तये करक चतुर्थी व्रतमहं करिष्ये।

Puja Materials:

• Image of Karva Mata

• Lamp (deepak), sindoor, akshat (rice), kumkum, roli, and rice

Puja Method:

1. Prepare the Puja Space: Lay a red cloth on a platform and place the image of Karva Mata.

2. Worship: Offer 16 adornments to Karva Mata and recite the vrat katha (fasting story).

3. Moon Viewing: After the moon rises, offer Arghya (water) to the moon and then look at your husband’s face.

4. Breaking the Fast: Drink water from your husband’s hands to break the fast.

Special Astrological Alignments :

This year, the conjunction of Krittika Nakshatra and Vyatipat Yoga makes this Karva Chauth even more significant. Mercury and Venus are both in Libra, forming Budhaditya Yoga, while Saturn in Aquarius creates Shash Yoga. These astrological alignments are believed to open new avenues for the husband’s fortune.

The Karva Chauth fast not only aims for the husband's long life but also serves as a means to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the family. On this day, women not only pray for their husbands but also get an opportunity to spend quality time with them. It’s a wonderful occasion to uphold one;s culture and traditions.

May you all observe this Karva Chauth with love and devotion for your husbands, leading to a blissful married life.

Relevant Slokas

1. For Fasting:

o “उदये चतुर्थी तिथिः पूज्यते चतुर्मुखेन।”

(Udaye chaturthī tithih pūjyate chaturmukhena.)

(The fourth Tithi at sunrise is worshipped by the four-faced Brahma.)

2. For Blessings:

o “ओं कार्तिके त्वं चतुर्थी सर्वकार्येषु सिध्यति।”

(Oṃ Kārtike tvaṃ chaturthī sarvakāryeṣu sidhyati.)

(O fourth day of Kartik, may you bring success in all endeavors.)

Wishing you a joyous and fulfilling Karva Chauth!