Karwa Chauth 2025: How to Offer Arghya to the Moon

Karwa Chauth is a cherished Hindu festival, celebrated by married women who observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The culmination of this sacred fast is the moon worship ritual, where women offer "arghya" (water offering) to the moon, seek blessings, and then break their fast. Understanding the correct procedure to give arghya to the moon is essential for a successful Karwa Chauth vrat.

Preparations Before Moonrise

Before moonrise, fasting women prepare a special puja thali (plate) containing:

• A karwa (earthen pot) filled with water or milk, sometimes with coins or flowers inside

• A small diya (lamp)

• Roop (vermilion), akshat (unbroken rice), and sweets

• A sieve (chalni) for moon-sighting

• Fresh flowers and incense sticks

They dress up beautifully, often in traditional attire with mehndi (henna) and sindoor (vermilion), ready to perform the evening rituals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Offering Arghya to the Moon

1. Sighting the Moon: Once the moon rises—usually in the evening—women go to a place where the moon is visible, often a rooftop or balcony.

2. Use of the Sieve: Women hold the sieve and look at the moon through it. Then, lighting the diya, they look at the moon again through the sieve for a clear view with the flame.

3. Offering Arghya: Water from the karwa (earthen pot) is slowly poured in a stream as an offering to the moon while chanting sacred mantras like "Om Somaya Namah" or other traditional prayers. This signifies respect and gratitude to the moon god.

4. Looking at the Husband: After offering water to the moon, the woman looks at her husband’s face through the same sieve, symbolizing the bond of love and protection.

5. Breaking the Fast: The husband offers water and the first morsel of food to the wife, marking the end of the fast. This act represents care, affection, and togetherness in marriage.

6. Seeking Blessings: The woman then seeks blessings from elders and completes the ritual with happy hearts and prayers for a prosperous married life.

Importance of Moon Worship on Karwa Chauth

Offering arghya to the moon is the most awaited moment of Karwa Chauth because the moon signifies peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of wishes. It is believed that this ritual not only blesses the couple with a long, happy marital life but also protects them from evil and brings harmony.

The act of offering arghya to the moon during Karwa Chauth is an important spiritual ritual that enhances the significance of this festival of love and devotion. Following the traditions with sincerity helps maintain the beautiful bond of marriage and invites positivity and blessings into the home.