(MENAFN- Live Mint) Karwa Chauth, also known as Karak Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated and auspicious Hindu festivals which is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. This festival falls in the month of Kartik during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. Widely celebrated across North India, it coincides with Sankashti Chaturthi, which is a fasting day observed for Lord Ganesha.

The term Karwa Chauth has been derived from Karwa or Karak which refers to the earthen pot Argha through which water offering is made to the moon.

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Married women observe the nirjala vrat, a fast without food or water, on this day from sunrise to moonrise and offer prayers for the health, longevity and prosperity of their husband. This festival celebrates the bond of love between a husband and wife and women break their fast only after sighting of the moon. Women worship several deities on this day including Chauth Mata, Goddess Gaura, Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha.

Traditionally, women look at the moon through a sieve and then glance at their husband's face before taking the first sip of water.

Unmarried girls also observe a fast on this day in some regions and pray their future spouses' health and long life. Henna application is an important ritual of Karwa Chauth celebrations. Religious books suh as Dharamasindhu, Nirnayasindhu and Vratraj mention Karwa Chauth as Karaka Chaturthi.

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The Chaturthi tithi commenced on Thursday, October 9 at 10:54 PM and will conclude at 7:38 PM on October 10, according to Drik Panchang.

Notably, Karwa Chauth puja muhurat will be of 1 hour 14 minutes duration, which will begin at 5:57 PM and end at 7:11 PM on October 10.

Karwa Chauth upavasa is of 14 hours 2 minutes duration which commenced at 6:21 AM on October 10 and will conclude at 8:23 PM.

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Meanwhile, the fast of Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the day of Karwa Chauth in Maharashtra and other regions. The Vakratunda form of Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is observed four days after Karwa Chauth for the wellbeing of sons.

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