Lifestyle
oi-Swastika Sruti
The women in Delhi-NCR who have undertaken the fast of Karwa Chauth are now waiting for the appearance of the moon. But since it rained heavily and cloudy weather prevailed, making the situation very difficult, a common doubt has arisen that what should women do if moon does not appear even after its expected rise?
Hindu women observing Karwa Chauth 2026 on Oct 29 may face moon visibility issues in Delhi-NCR due to clouds, despite expected moonrise around 8:17 PM. Families may follow alternative customs if the moon is not sighted, as traditions vary.
Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by the Hindu women in India wherein they observe a day-long fast praying for the longevity of their husbands. This fast is broken only after the women worship Moon God, see the moon, and then take water in their hands from their husbands.
However, due to cloudy weather, this may not be possible.
Karwa Chauth 2026: Moonrise Timings In Delhi-NCR
The expected moonrise times for Delhi and nearby cities on October 29, 2026, are:
- Delhi: 8:17 PM
- Noida: 8:16 PM
- Gurugram: 8:18 PM
These are expected moonrise times. The moon may not become visible at the exact time if the sky is covered with clouds or rain. Actual visibility depends on local weather conditions.
What If The Moon Is Not Visible After Moonrise?
Here are some practices followed by certain families when the moon is not visible.
1. Offer Prayers At The Expected Moonrise Time
Women may perform the usual prayer rituals and offer water or other customary offerings while remembering the Moon God. Practices differ between families, so it is advisable to follow the guidance of elders or a priest familiar with the family’s tradition.
2. Can Women Break The Fast After Seeing Their Husband’s Face?
In some families, women may follow a custom of looking at their husband’s face and receiving water from him when the moon is not visible.
However, this is not a universal practice followed by all Karwa Chauth observers. Whether this is considered appropriate depends on the family’s religious customs and beliefs. Women who are unsure can seek guidance from their family elders or priest rather than assuming that the same rule applies everywhere.
3. Use A Symbolic Image Of The Moon
Another option followed in some households is to use a symbolic representation of the moon when it cannot be seen in the sky. This may involve a picture of the moon or another representation used during worship.
Some devotees also remember the crescent moon associated with Lord Shiva. However, the use of an image or symbol as part of the Karwa Chauth ritual varies by tradition and should not be treated as a rule followed by everyone.
