Karva Chauth 2018: From shubh muhurat to fasting tips, here's the complete guide

A nirjala fast is observed by women on the day of Karva Chauth which means no food and water for the entire day. After observing the fast for the whole day, women offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kartik to bless them with a blissful married life.

There are many stories associated with this festival. One of them is the story of Queen Veervati.  

Veervati was the only sister of seven brothers. She was at her parent’s house when she observed her first fast of Karva Chauth. She began her fast after sunrise but, by the evening, she suffered severe thirst and hunger.

Her seven brothers could not see their sister in such condition and created a mirror in a pipal tree that made it look as if the moon had risen. Veervati mistook it for the moon and broke her fast. The moment she took her first morsel, a message came that her husband was dead. She was heartbroken and she spent the whole night weeping until a Goddess appeared before her and asked her the reason for crying. 

When she explained it to her, the Goddess revealed how she had been tricked by her brothers. The Goddess instructed her to repeat the Karva Chauth fast with complete devotion. Veervati took the decision of the observing the fast. By looking at Veervati’s devotion towards her husband, Yama (God of death) was compelled to restore her husband to life.

Preparation of Karva Chauth starts few days in advance. From clothes, jewellery to mehendi and makeup, women during Karva Chauth dresses up in their best. 
On the day of the fast, married women wake up early in the morning before sunrise to eat sargi. 

Women had to stay without water and food for the whole day after having sargi. They can only eat after they see the moon in the evening. Once the moon is spotted, the puja is performed; they offer water to the moon in order to seek blessings. Women break their fast with water and food after all rituals are done.

Sargi is provided by mother-in-law as token of love to daughter-in-law. 

Karva Chauth Muhurat: 05:36 pm to 06:54 pm (17:36 to 18:53)

(Duration: 1 hour 17 minutes)

Karva Chauth moon rise time: 08:00 pm (20:00)

Chaturthi Tithi begins at 06:37 pm on 27th October 2018

Chaturthi Tithi ends at 04:54 pm on 28th October 2018

Prayers and puja rituals to Maa Gauri or Chauth Mata should be done before seeing the Moon. Do not forget to offer halwa during the puja.

Do not give or donate white-coloured items such as rice, curd, milk,etc to anyone on Karwa Chauth. This can yield negative results.

If you are keeping Karva Chauth fast, do not use scissors, needle, knife, etc on this day.
 

Wearing bright colour outfit and doing solah shringar is a must on this day. Avoid black, brown or blue colours while offering puja.

Do not hurt or insult anybody on this day especially your elders. Talk politely and with love to your mother-in-law and mother. Strengthen your bonds on the day which marks the celebration of togetherness

Do not throw bangles, sindoor, bindi, etc in dustbin. If bangles get cracked while wearing, keep it at the place of puja.

First Karva Chauth is special but scary at the same time. Keeping fast all day gives shiver down the spine. Don't let the fear ruin your big day! Follow these  tips and rest assured, the day will be a smooth ride for you and your husband!

You have to stay without water for entire day. So keeping yourself hydrated should be your priority. Increase the intake of water and liquids the night before and during the early morning eating session so that one can manage the whole day without water. So keep tea, water or any juices handy so that she is comfortable the whole day.

Never ignore the power of Sargi on Karva Chauth. It plays a crucial role in how smooth the fast goes. Dry fruits, milk products, and protein-rich food would help keep her fine all day. Juice and liquid intakes can help you a lot to sail the fast. 

This is for the husbands. Gift your wife as she totally deserves it. Be it a jewellery piece or watch, there are several option in market to make yor wife feel special on this occassion. Well, how about cooking dinner for her? She will be totally in awe. 

The more you think how hungry you are, the more you would feel it. Therefore, invest your time in other things like listening to your favourite band, taking up your hobby, talking to your husband etc.

This is for the husbands out there. If you can take an off, indulge in some spa sessions along with her or fix an appointment for her at a salon to get ready for the evening pooja. After all, it’s her day, and she should put her best foot forward. 

Fortify yourself with nutrients by consuming yogurt after the moonrise. Lemonade is a good option too. In any case, avoid oily food for dinner as it will make you feel bloated and nauseous.