Can You Observe Karva Chauth Fast While on Periods? Learn the Right Way to Honor the Tradition Respectfully

Is it possible to honor Karwa Chauth during periods? Find out how sanatangyan teachings, guru guidance, and shastras help observe the vrat respectfully.

This year, Karwa Chauth falls on October 10, 2025. With love and faith, especially in Northern India, it will be celebrated across India. This timely event is celebrated for love and faith for each other. It is especially for wives who pray for their husbands’ prosperity as they fast from sunrise to moonrise. One common issue is, what about a woman who is on her periods for Karwa Chauth? Can she hold her vrat? In the lines that follow, we will describe the traditions and the spiritual significance to guide a woman in a respectful manner to hold her vrat when on her periods. 

Understanding Karva Chauth and Its Significance

Beyond a simple ritual fast, Karva Chauth is a celebration for love, devotion, and patience. The shastras claim and explain the spiritual benefits of this vrat as transcending the material realm. The selfless dedication of a wife is expressed in the “nirjala vrat,” or fasting without water, as it is a powerful deity of devotion. Yet, the guru-sadhu traditions always emphasize that health and natural cycles should not be ignored.

According to sanatangyan teachings, menstruation is a sacred time. During this period, a woman’s body naturally cleanses and renews itself. Forcing oneself to fast during this time is not recommended. It is neither necessary nor healthy. The Dharmashastras advise women to rest and take care of themselves during their periods.

 "स्वस्थ्यं परमं धर्म:" — Charaka Samhita

Translation: "Health is the ultimate dharma."   

This verse reminds us to take care of our body. Looking after our health is part of following Dharma. This is important, even during major festivals.

Can You Keep Fasts on Your Periods?

Traditionally, fasting while on periods isn’t recommended because the body is already going through a natural detox process. Sadhu and gurus explain that energy during this phase is focused inward. Hence, restraining from food and water (nirjala vrat) can weaken the body and disturb its balance.

As per Vedic texts, it’s completely acceptable for a woman not to fast during this time. The vrat is an essential part of Karwa Chauth, but the most essential elements still lies in bhakti, devotion in the heart, shraddha, and faith, and sankalp, pure intention. 

From the Manusmriti (5.66):

"न रजस्वला यज्ञकर्माणि कुर्यात्।"

 Translation: “A woman during menstruation should refrain from performing religious rituals.”

This verse does not stop women from being devoted. It simply advises them to rest and avoid ritualistic activities. At the same time, they can continue their inner devotion to the divine.

How to Observe Karwa Chauth Vrat During Periods

If you want to honor Karwa Chauth while on your period, you can do it respectfully. Follow the Sanatangyan approach of intention and modesty. This way, you can observe the vrat without harming your body.

• Keep your Karwa Chauth vrat from sunrise to moonrise as per your strength.

• Avoid performing puja rituals yourself or handling puja materials.

• Request another woman or family member to perform the Karwa Chauth puja on your behalf.

• Sit respectfully nearby and listen to the Karwa Chauth katha (story).

• If no woman is available, your husband can perform the rituals for you.

• You may worship the moon from a distance and silently pray with devotion.

• After the moonrise, offer water to the moon and break your fast with respect and gratitude.

This way, you keep the vrat sacred. At the same time, you respect your body’s natural cycle.

"भावनायाः प्रभावो हि न कर्मणां गुरुत्वतः।"

Translation: “The power of intention surpasses the weight of rituals.”

" bhava " in this verse, is most essential to be celebrated. One is to be fully engaged in devotion than outwardly ritualized. The true devotion is an emotion or feeling.

When is Karwa Chauth 2025?

This year, Karwa Chauth falls on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Fasting Time: 06:08 AM – 08:36 PM

Puja Muhurat: 05:58 PM – 07:11 PM

Across India, married women — and nowadays even some husbands — observe this nirjala vrat, refraining from food and water till the moonrise, praying for saubhagya (marital bliss) and long life of their spouse.

Karwa Chauth Puja Samagri List 2025

Essential Items for Puja:

• Akshat (unbroken rice), Ganga jal

• Milk, curd, ghee, sugar, jaggery

• Wooden chowki and clay karwa (pitcher)

• Diya, camphor, incense, flowers, sandalwood

• Haldi, kumkum, roli, moli/kalawa, betel leaves

• Sweets, fruits, and a cloth for idols

For Deity Offerings:

• Yellow clay for Goddess Gauri’s idol

• Picture or idol of Goddess Gauri and Lord Ganesha

  
  

In conclusion, Karva Chauth is a celebration of love, devotion, and faith. Women can observe it during their periods in a respectful way. The focus should be on intention, not strict rituals. By following sanatangyan teachings and guidance from sadhu, guru, and shastras, women can honor the vrat safely. This helps nurture both body and spirit. True devotion comes from heartfelt bhakti, not just performing outward rituals.