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On Karwa Chauth women observe Nirjala fast and break it after sighting the moon. However, the moon may not be visible due to bad weather or cloudy skies.
So, how does one break their Karwa Chauth, if they cannot see the moon? Can women break their fast without sighting the moon, and what is the correct way to offer arghya?
Karwa Chauth 2026: When Will The Moon Rise?
This year, Karwa Chauth will be observed on Thursday, 29 October. The moonrise time will vary from city to city. Women observing the fast should therefore check the moonrise time in their city's panchang.What To Do If The Moon Is Not Visible Due To Clouds?
The ritual of Karwa Chauth for breaking the fast includes offering arghya to the moon. However, due to weather conditions, if the moon is still not visible and the moonrise time has passed, one can check the moonrise time in their city's panchang. You can then worship Chandra Dev, facing the direction of the moon. Some religious traditions permit offering arghya in the direction of the moon in such circumstances.However, there is no single rule followed by all religious traditions on breaking the fast when the moon is not visible. It is therefore advisable to seek guidance from elders in the family or a priest.
What Is The Correct Way To Offer Arghya To The Moon?
On Karwa Chauth evening, women worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha during the auspicious puja muhurat. They then listen to the Karwa Chauth vrat katha, or the traditional story associated with the fast.Once the moon rises, they worship it and offer arghya. According to tradition, water is taken in a karwa (a ritual pot) and offered to the Moon God with prayers.
Read More: Karwa Chauth 2026 Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals, Samagri List and Moon-Sighting Traditions
In many families, women then look at the moon through a sieve, followed by their husband's face. Another customary ritual involves breaking the fast by drinking water offered by the husband. The precise way these rituals are performed may vary from one family to another.
Is It Wrong To Break The Fast Without Sighting The Moon?
According to Drik Panchang, "After Puja women should wait for the moon to risen. Women should worship God Chandra and after making offering to him should break the fast."However, there is no need to panic if clouds prevent the moon from being visible. First, check the scheduled moonrise time for your city and wait for a while after moonrise.
One option followed by some devotees is to offer arghya in the direction of the moon and then seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Since the crescent moon rests on Lord Shiva's head, some devotees follow this practice.
If the moon is not visible in your city but has been sighted elsewhere, some people choose to view it through a video call with a family member or acquaintance in that city. In some places, people also follow the practice of obtaining a photograph of the moon.
There is also an alternative method. After the expected time of moonrise, you can take a silver coin or a small round piece of silver and worship it as a symbol of the moon. Offer arghya to it, considering it as the moon, and then break your fast. Since silver is regarded as the auspicious metal associated with the moon, performing the ritual in this way is also believed to bring the same spiritual merit as sighting the actual moon.
However, these alternatives are not universally recognised as prescribed religious practices. You must follow your family's traditions and perform the puja with faith, instead of worrying about not being able to see the moon.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
