Hindu festival · San Francisco Bay Area

Karwa Chauth

Shiva North / West India Major women's vrata Parvati-Shiva

Dates for the Bay Area

  • Wednesday, 28 October 2026Major women's vratanext
  • Monday, 18 October 2027Major women's vrata
  • Friday, 6 October 2028Major women's vrata
Traditions differ. What follows describes common practice, not the only correct practice. Observance varies by region, sampradāya and family, and Sri Kumar Gurukkal will follow your family’s tradition. Our editorial & ritual standards →

Why it matters

A North Indian vrata traditionally observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands; many families now frame it as mutual prayer for marital well-being.

The story behind it

The fast is connected with stories of devoted wives and the strength of marital commitment, with worship of Shiva-Parvati and the Moon.

Prayers and worship

Sankalpa, Shiva-Parvati/Gauri pooja, listening to vrata katha, arati and offering water to the Moon at moonrise are common.

Fasting and devotional customs

Fasting and household customs vary; follow the temple or family tradition for this observance.

What is typically offered

Karwa vessel, sieve in some customs, lamps, sweets, fruit, kumkum and bridal adornments.

Visiting a temple that day

Practices vary greatly. Some observe a nirjala fast, while health needs may require modification; religious fasting should never override medical safety.

Spiritual themes

Commitment, prayer, family well-being and devotion.

Request this pooja

Ask Sri Kumar Gurukkal about a pooja for Karwa Chauth — at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely. A request is an enquiry, not a booking.

Request a pooja Add 28 Oct 2026 to calendar

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Related festivals

Maha ShivaratriPanguni UthiramDev DeepavaliKarthigai DeepamArudra DarshanAll Sankaṣṭī Caturthī dates
← Karthigai DeepamKullu Dussehra Begins → Full festival calendar

The 2026–27 dates were compiled from a Northern-California Panchāṅgam reference for the Fremont / Bay Area location. The 2028 date is computed by this site’s own engine from a rule a cited source establishes: Āśvina kṛṣṇa caturthī (amānta; Kārttika kṛṣṇa caturthī in the pūrṇimānta reckoning — the same day), judged at moonrise, when it falls in the evening (candrodaya-vyāpinī). No 2028 date has been checked against a printed almanac or reviewed by Sri Kumar Gurukkal. They can differ from a calendar computed for another city or another sampradāya. Please confirm any date on which you plan a ceremony with Sri Kumar Gurukkal. How these dates are calculated →