Each year, the Karva Chauth fast is observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturthi Tithi. On this day, women fast throughout the day, giving up even water for the day. This year, Karva Chauth falls on October 20, Sunday.

On this day, women complete their fast by offering arghya to the moon. However, there are instances when the moon is not visible due to bad weather. How can women observing the fast complete the rituals then?

Kashai-based astrologer Chakrapani Bhatt says even if the moon is not visible on Karva Chauth, fasting women can complete their rituals.

According to Bhatt, one can visit a nearby Shiva temple and complete the fast by offering arghya to the moon visible on the forehead of Lord Shiva. “The moon always adorns the forehead of Lord Shiva. You can go to the temple after moonrise, offer arghya to the moon on Lord Shiva’s forehead, and complete your fast.”

Another remedy he suggests is using a silver coin. “In astrology, the auspicious gemstone of the moon is silver. After moonrise, take a silver coin or a round piece of silver and consider it a replica of the moon. Worship it, and this way, you can complete your fast,” he says.

Why Do Women Worship the Moon on Karva Chauth?

According to mythology, Daksh Prajapati cursed the moon, causing it to lose its shine and endangering its life. The moon then decided to worship Lord Shiva. Through Lord Shiva’s grace, all the moon’s doshad were cured, restoring its life and increasing its age. Since then, married women worship the moon and offer arghya on Karva Chauth, praying for the long life of their husbands.

According to another mythological story, when Lord Shiva cut off Lord Ganesha’s head, it fell on the moon. Lord Ganesha was then given the head of an elephant. Some believe that Ganesha’s original head still resides on the moon, which is why Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside the moon on Karva Chauth.

It is believed that Lord Ganesha cursed the moon to be without light because the moon made fun of Ganesha’s body. After the moon sought his forgiveness, Lord Ganesha decreed that the moon’s brightness would increase during Shukla Paksha and decrease during Krishna Paksha. He also blessed the moon, stating that the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi would not be complete without worshipping the moon.

Karva Chauth 2024 Muhurat

• Kartik Krishna Chaturthi Tithi begins on Sunday, on October 20 at 6:46 AM
• Tithi ends on Monday, October 21, at 4:16 AM

The auspicious time for Karva Chauth puja is from 5:46 PM to 7:02 PM and moonrise is expected at 7:54 PM on October 20.