Karwa Chauth 2026: Moon Hidden Behind Clouds? Know How to Break Your Fast
Karwa Chauth is being observed on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Due to Cyclone Arnab, rainfall and cold winds have intensified in several states, with increased cloud cover in many areas. If the Moon is not clearly visible on Karwa Chauth due to cloudy skies or bad weather, women can follow certain traditional practices to complete their puja and break their fast. Here are some commonly followed methods and rituals for breaking the Karwa Chauth fast when the Moon cannot be seen.
Traditional Ways to Break the Karwa Chauth Fast If the Moon Is Not Visible
1. Worship Lord Shiva and Chandra Dev: Meditate on and worship Chandra Dev, who is depicted on Lord Shiva’s forehead. After offering arghya (water as a ritual offering), you may break your fast.
2. Worship the Direction of Moonrise: At the expected moonrise time, according to the Panchang or auspicious timing, face the direction in which the Moon is due to rise. Invoke Chandra Dev, chant the relevant mantras and offer arghya before breaking your fast.
3. View the Moon Through a Photo or Video Call: If the Moon is visible in a nearby city or at a relative’s home, some traditions allow devotees to view it through a video call before completing the fast. ALSO READ: Karwa Chauth 2026: Know the Puja Muhurat, Moonrise Time, Rituals and Vrat Katha
4. Create a Moon Shape Using Rice Grains: Another traditional practice involves arranging unbroken rice grains (akshat) on a plate to form the shape of the Moon. Worship this symbolic representation and offer arghya before breaking the fast.
5. Use a Reflection in Water or a Diya: A vessel filled with water may be used as a symbolic representation of the Moon. Some traditions also consider the flame of a lit diya as a symbolic substitute while offering arghya.
6. Use a Silver Coin and a Mirror: Place a silver coin in a plate or vessel filled with water. Use a mirror to view it as a symbolic representation of the Moon, perform the ritual and then break your fast according to your family traditions.
Keep Your City’s Moonrise Time in Mind
The local moonrise time mentioned in the Panchang is an important consideration when performing Karwa Chauth rituals. If the Moon is obscured by clouds, devotees can follow any of the alternative practices. The Moon is expected to rise in Indore at 8:39 pm on Karwa Chauth. Click the link below to check the expected moonrise time for your city and plan your rituals accordingly.
