It is not just married women; these days, unmarried women also observe the Karva Chauth fast—follow these 6 rules..
Karwa Chauth Vrat for Unmarried Girls: The festival of Karwa Chauth holds great significance for married women. It is celebrated annually on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartika; this year, this auspicious date falls on Thursday, October 29th. On this sacred day, married women observe a fast without water (*nirjala vrat*), praying for the long life and well-being of their husbands, and break their fast only after offering *arghya* (libation) to the moon. In contemporary times, however, it is not just married women who observe this fast; many unmarried girls have also begun to do so—often for their future husbands or current boyfriends. This raises the question: should unmarried girls observe the Karwa Chauth fast? What do the scriptures say about this?
What do the scriptures say?
In most religious scriptures, the Karwa Chauth fast is prescribed specifically for married women. The core essence of this fast lies in the observance of *pativratya dharma* (devotion to one’s husband), which is only possible after marriage. The term *pativratya*—derived from the words *pati* (husband) and *vrat* (vow/observance)—signifies loyalty, duty, and dedication toward one’s husband. Since this *dharma* cannot be practiced before marriage, the scriptures do not mention the observance of this fast by unmarried girls; it is intended solely for married women.
Blessings for both the married and the unmarried
With evolving folk traditions, unmarried girls in many places have begun observing the Karwa Chauth fast. By fasting on this day and worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, they pray to be blessed with a suitable life partner. There is no prohibition against unmarried girls observing this fast, and they, too, can attain auspicious results from it. Thus, the significance of this festival is not limited merely to praying for a husband’s long life; it serves as a symbol of blessings for both married and unmarried women alike.
Karwa Chauth Rules for Unmarried Girls
There are some differences in the traditions of the fast for unmarried girls compared to married women. Married women break their fast by looking at the moon through a sieve and then viewing their husband’s face, whereas unmarried girls break their fast by looking at the stars. They may, however, offer *arghya* (a ritual offering) to the moon.
Married women observe the Karwa Chauth fast to pray for the well-being and health of their husbands, while unmarried girls perform special worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day. It is believed that this worship and fasting help them find a life partner of their choice.
On Karwa Chauth, married women adorn themselves with the *solah shringar* (sixteen traditional adornments) and participate in the worship of Karwa Mata, which includes rituals like exchanging *karwas* (earthen pots) and rotating the *thali* (ritual plate). Unmarried girls are not required to follow these practices; the *solah shringar* is not mandatory for them, nor should they perform rituals like exchanging *karwas* or rotating the *thali*. Furthermore, they should not accept items associated with *suhag* (marital status) as gifts.
Additionally, the tradition of *sargi*—a pre-dawn meal—is specific to married women and does not apply to unmarried girls. During the fast, unmarried girls are permitted to consume fruit or water once during the day. According to religious guidelines, one should abstain from *tamasic* (impure or heavy) food and items on this day to ensure the fast is observed successfully.
Married women observe a *nirjala* fast (fasting without water) and break it in the evening after offering *arghya* to the moon. There is no such requirement for unmarried girls; they may consume fruit once during the day and are not obligated to observe a *nirjala* fast.
Married women listen to the Karwa Chauth *katha* (the traditional story/legend). Unmarried girls may also sit with them and listen to the story. During this time, she may express her wishes regarding the kind of husband she desires to the Mother Goddess.