Karva Chauth 2026 date: October 28 or 29? Check the correct date, puja muhurat and moonrise time

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or Google, trying to figure out whether Karva Chauth falls on October 28 or October 29 this year, you can stop second-guessing yourself.For everyone celebrating in India, the fast takes place on Thursday, October 29, 2026.The confusion pops up every year because of how lunar calendars work compared to standard dates. In 2026, the Chaturthi tithi doesn't kick in until 1:06 AM on October 29, running straight through to 10:09 PM that night. Because the moonrise falls within that window in India, October 29 is the official day. (If you saw October 28 online, that’s meant for people living in Western time zones like North America, where the time shift pulls the date back).Key timings you need to knowHere’s how the day breaks down for New Delhi (though local times shift slightly depending on where you're based):Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 Fast Begins (Sunrise): Around 6:30 AM Puja Muhurat: 5:38 PM to 6:56 PM Expected Moonrise: Around 8:17 PM If you live in a different major city, your moonrise time will vary:Lucknow: ~8:06 PM Kolkata: ~7:47 PM Mumbai: ~9:00 PM Bengaluru: ~8:55 PM How the day unfoldsFor those observing the traditional nirjala (waterless) fast for their partner's long life and well-being, the routine starts early.You’ll wake up before dawn to eat sargi - the pre-fast meal traditionally prepared by mothers-in-law. Finish off your dry fruits, mathri, and water before the sun rises around 6:30 AM, because once daylight breaks, no food or drink passes your lips until the moon comes out.Later in the afternoon, during the evening muhurat (starting around 5:38 PM), women gather for the Karva Chauth puja, dress in festive clothes, and pass around the thalis while listening to the vrat katha.Breaking the fastThe hardest part of the day is usually the final stretch waiting for the moon.Once the moon clears the horizon, you offer arghya (water) through a sieve, look at your partner, and finally take that first sip of water to officially break the fast. Just keep in mind that urban high-rises, smog, or clouds can delay your view by 10 to 15 minutes past the official moonrise time!Lock in October 29 on your calendar, double-check your city’s exact panchang timings, and get your sargi prep sorted ahead of time.Get the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.