Precise Karwa Chauth 2026 moonrise + puja muhurat windows for major US metros. Friday, October 10, 2026. Compiled September 1, 2026.
The single most important operational question for Karwa Chauth in the USA is: when does the moon actually rise where you are? This is the "fast breaks" moment. India's moon-rise time is irrelevant for USA celebration — you follow YOUR local moon.
Approximate 2026 US Moonrise + Puja Windows (October 10)
Confirm exact times with a local moonrise calculator (Google "moonrise [your city] October 10 2026") or an astronomy app (Moon Phase, Chandra Darshan, TimeAndDate).
Eastern Time (EDT)
- New York City: Moonrise ~7:20 PM EDT · Recommended puja window 6:15–7:15 PM · Fast-break after moon visible ~7:25 PM
- Boston: Moonrise ~7:15 PM EDT · Puja 6:10–7:10 PM · Fast-break ~7:20 PM
- Washington DC / Northern VA: Moonrise ~7:25 PM EDT · Puja 6:20–7:20 PM · Fast-break ~7:30 PM
- Miami: Moonrise ~7:35 PM EDT · Puja 6:30–7:30 PM · Fast-break ~7:40 PM
- Atlanta: Moonrise ~7:45 PM EDT · Puja 6:40–7:40 PM · Fast-break ~7:50 PM
Central Time (CDT)
- Chicago: Moonrise ~7:00 PM CDT · Puja 5:55–6:55 PM · Fast-break ~7:05 PM
- Dallas / Fort Worth: Moonrise ~7:35 PM CDT · Puja 6:30–7:30 PM · Fast-break ~7:40 PM
- Houston: Moonrise ~7:40 PM CDT · Puja 6:35–7:35 PM · Fast-break ~7:45 PM
- Minneapolis: Moonrise ~6:55 PM CDT · Puja 5:50–6:50 PM · Fast-break ~7:00 PM
Mountain Time (MDT / MST)
- Denver: Moonrise ~7:00 PM MDT · Puja 5:55–6:55 PM · Fast-break ~7:05 PM
- Phoenix (MST, no DST): Moonrise ~6:15 PM MST · Puja 5:15–6:15 PM · Fast-break ~6:20 PM
- Salt Lake City: Moonrise ~7:00 PM MDT · Puja 5:55–6:55 PM · Fast-break ~7:05 PM
Pacific Time (PDT)
- Los Angeles: Moonrise ~6:35 PM PDT · Puja 5:30–6:30 PM · Fast-break ~6:40 PM
- San Francisco / Bay Area: Moonrise ~6:45 PM PDT · Puja 5:40–6:40 PM · Fast-break ~6:50 PM
- Seattle: Moonrise ~6:50 PM PDT · Puja 5:45–6:45 PM · Fast-break ~6:55 PM
- San Diego: Moonrise ~6:35 PM PDT · Puja 5:30–6:30 PM · Fast-break ~6:40 PM
Full Day Timeline Framework
- 4:30–5:00 AM local: Sargi (pre-dawn meal). Eat before local sunrise.
- Sunrise onwards: Full nirjala fast begins.
- Morning: Work / school / normal routine while fasting.
- Late afternoon (~4:00 PM): Bathe, dress in traditional attire, apply mehndi (if not already done overnight).
- ~1 hour before moonrise: Karwa Chauth puja + katha with observing circle or solo.
- At moonrise (or when moon is visible): Chandra darshan through the sieve, look at husband through sieve, husband offers water + first bite of food.
- Post-fast: Full dinner with family.
What If the Moon Is Cloud-Covered?
Realistic USA scenario, especially in fall on the West Coast + Pacific Northwest. Traditional rule: wait until moon is sighted, however late. Modern practical rule: at least 30 minutes after official moonrise per calculator, acknowledge moon behind clouds via prayer + break fast. Consult your family tradition; many pandits accept the modern rule for genuine cloud-cover cases.
Apps + Tools
- Moon Phase Calendar (iOS/Android) — exact moonrise for any city + moon visibility check.
- TimeAndDate.com Moon Calculator — most reliable web-based option.
- Chandra Darshan app — Indian-context moon-sighting app.
- Google Search: "moonrise [city] October 10 2026" — quick check.
The Puja Muhurat Window (Pre-Moonrise)
Traditional muhurat for the Karwa Chauth puja is the 1-hour window before moonrise. Structure your evening:
- 90 min before moonrise: Setup — thali, puja items, calling family/friends.
- 60 min before: Puja begins — Karva Mata puja, katha recital.
- 30 min before: Group circle — thalis exchanged 7 times among observing women.
- At moonrise: Chandra darshan + husband ritual.
- After: Family dinner + celebration.
Companion Reading
Timing figures above are approximate for planning purposes. Always confirm with a live astronomical calculator on the day + your family's panchang tradition.