Karwa Chauth Celebrated Across India

Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival celebrated by married couples for the wellbeing of their married life. The festival is observed in the Vikram Samvat month of Kartika, and in 2026, it falls on Thursday, October 29.

The festival has several legends associated with it, including the stories of Shiva and Parvati, Veeravati, and Draupadi and Lord Krishna. According to legend, Goddess Parvati is believed to be the ultimate representation of a devoted wife who performed years of penance to attain Shiva.

Another legend tells the story of Veeravati, who fasted on Karaka Chaturthi to ensure her husband's long life. However, her brother created an illusion of the moonrise, causing her husband to disappear. Veeravati then observed a fast for twelve months and eventually regained her husband.

The festival is also associated with the story of Draupadi and Lord Krishna from the Mahabharata. When Arjuna left for penance, the Pandavas faced severe hardships, and Draupadi sought help from Lord Krishna, who advised her to keep Karwa Chauth vrat.

Women celebrate the festival by applying mehendi and worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The fast ends only when the moon is seen, and the face of the beloved one is seen through a sieve.

The festival is being celebrated across India, with women thronging markets to apply mehendi and participate in the festivities.