Karwa Chauth is a one-day Hindu fasting ritual observed by married women for their husbands' health and longevity. Invitations should announce the puja date, time, location, and fasting details.

About Karwa Chauth Puja

Karwa Chauth is an annual fast observed primarily by married Hindu women, typically in October or November. The day involves a full-day fast (no food or water) that is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening. The ritual centers on a puja (prayer ceremony) performed in the afternoon, followed by a communal gathering where women dress in traditional attire, apply henna, wear bangles, and share meals after moonrise. Invitations must clearly state the puja time, location (home, temple, or community hall), the expected time for moon sighting, and any potluck or meal arrangements. Since the fast is a spiritual practice tied to marriage and family, invitations often emphasize the ceremonial aspect and invite women and their families to participate in the collective observance.

Cultural context

Karwa Chauth originates from North Indian Hindu traditions, particularly among communities in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The ritual is rooted in devotion and the concept of marital commitment. Women traditionally observe the fast for their husbands' well-being and long life. The practice has spread across India and among diaspora communities. A 'karwa' (earthen pot) used in the puja gives the occasion its name.