Karwa Chauth 2025 Guide For NRIs: October in America may be all about pumpkin spice, fall leaves, and Halloween prep — but for Indian families across the
States, it’s also the month when love, devotion, and fasting take centre stage. As Karwa Chauth 2025 approaches, social media feeds are all about saree styling tips, mehndi designs, and “moon sighting” reels from NRIs across San Francisco, Houston, and New York.
When is Karwa Chauth in 2025?
Mark your calendars — Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 10, 2025, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. However, for NRIs in the United States, Karwa Chauth will be celebrated on October 9, 2025, due to the time difference.
In New York City, the puja muhurat will be from 6:25 PM to 7:40 PM, while the fast runs roughly from 7:01 AM until moonrise around 7:42 PM. The timings will vary depending on where you live — so if you’re in Chicago or San Francisco, it’s best to check your local moonrise chart or the Panchang for accuracy.
What Karwa Chauth Really Means
Karwa Chauth is not just a fast, but it is a full-fledged emotional marathon. The name itself carries symbolism: ‘Karwa’ refers to an earthen pot, and ‘Chauth’ means the fourth day of the lunar fortnight. Women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and prosperity of their husbands — though in recent years, the tradition has also seen husbands fasting alongside their wives (yes, modern love goals!).
The festival traces its roots back to folk tales like that of Queen Veervati, who fainted from fasting but revived her husband’s life through devotion and determination.
Rituals That Keep the Spirit Alive
Even thousands of miles away from India, NRIs recreate the same rituals with heartwarming precision.
1. Sargi (Pre-Dawn Meal):
Before sunrise, women eat a plate of delicacies prepared by their mothers or mothers-in-law. It includes dry fruits, milk, parathas, and fruits. For those in the US, prepping the night before or relying on Indian stores for essentials like besan laddoos, mathri, pheni, and mathri keeps the tradition alive.
2. Dressing Up for the Day:
Forget minimalism — It is your day to sparkle. Maroon, red, and gold dominate the scene, with suit, sarees, lehengas, and intricate jewellery taking over. Many NRIs now book mehndi sessions at home or opt for festive get-togethers with other women — think mini “Karwa parties” with DIY décor and Bollywood playlists.
3. The Puja:
By evening, women gather to perform the puja together. They use sweets, rice, karwa pot, diya, flowers, and a channi (sieve) for the puja. The Karwa Chauth Katha is recited before the moonrise.
4. The Moon Moment:
As soon as the moon peeks through the clouds (or via an app, for the impatient!), women offer arghya — water poured from the karwa — and look at the moon through the sieve, then at their husband’s face. The fast is broken with the first sip of water, often followed by a lovingly cooked meal.
How to Celebrate Karwa Chauth in the US
Distance doesn’t dim the devotion — it just adds a creative twist.Community Celebrations:
Many Hindu temples and Indian associations across cities like Fremont, Dallas, and Edison host special Karwa Chauth events. From group prayers to dance nights, it’s a chance to celebrate with other NRIs who miss home just as much.
Stay Synced with India:
Video calls during moon sighting have become the new tradition. Couples living apart often connect virtually — she with her sieve, he with his smile, both under different moons but one shared sentiment.
Don’t Forget the Food:
After a day of fasting, reward yourself! Prepare light Indian comfort food — paneer curry, kheer, poori, and aloo sabzi — or even fusion favourites like quinoa khichdi and air-fried samosas.
Fun & Modern Twists for 2025
Karwa Chauth 2025 is getting a trendy makeover. Social media is buzzing with couples doing “fasting together challenges”, “moonrise reels”, and digital puja playlists. Online Indian boutiques in the US are offering curated Karwa Chauth hampers — complete with mehndi cones, bangles, candles, and instant puja kits.
In places like California and New Jersey, NRIs have even begun rooftop moon parties — complete with music, food, and shared prayers. After all, the spirit of the festival is togetherness, no matter how far from home you are.
