The auspicious festival of Karwa Chauth will be celebrated tomorrow, on October 10, 2025. On this day, women observe a fast, without food and water, to pray for their husband’s long life.
After fasting for a complete day, women break their fasts by looking at the moon and their husband’s face through a sieve. They also take part in a puja before that.
Also called Karak Chaturthi, this festival is celebrated on the fourth day of the full moon. It is mostly celebrated in Northern India – including Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
In the recent years, however, the tradition has beautifully evolved – with many unmarried women also choosing to observe the fast. For them, it is not just about devotion but also about faith and spiritual cleansing.
If you are unmarried and planning to fast this Karwa Chauth, here is everything you need to know about the rules, rituals, and what you can and cannot do, as per the tradition.
How Do The Rituals Differ For Unmarried Women?
Unmarried women generally follow a slightly different version of the Karwa Chauth fast. Instead of praying for their husband’s long life, they pray for a suitable life partner or simply for happiness.
Traditionally, married women break their fast after sighting the moon and looking at their husband’s face. Unmarried women, on the other hand, look at the moon and then the star Arundhati.
What You Can Do
Unmarried women can observe a fruit fast than keeping a complete fast. They are also allowed to consume energy-boosting foods or drinks. The main thing to note is that the food should be eaten before dawn. According to astrology, there is no compulsion for unmarried girls to observe Nirjala fast, because they are not able to get sargi.
Unmarried girls can break their fast by offering Arghya to the stars, because the rule of offering Arghya to the moon is only applicable for married women. Unmarried women can just have a glance at North Star and then complete the fast-breaking ritual.
What You Should Avoid
You should not skip the puja. Even if you are unmarried, performing or attending the evening pooja is considered auspicious. Additionally, avoid heavy physical activity and stay indoors as much as possible.