Karwa Chauth 2026: Rain and clouds may delay moon sighting in Delhi-NCR, Check city-wise moonrise timings

For women observing Karwa Chauth, the fast ends only when the moon appears, and this year the weather may make that wait longer. Cloudy skies and light rain are likely in Delhi-NCR on October 29, the day of the festival. The change is linked to a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. Forecasts suggest Delhi-NCR could see thunderstorms and rain on October 29 and 30, which has left many fasting women worried about when they will be able to break their fast.

Some are prepared to wait longer if clouds hide the moon. Others are thinking of sighting it online, with relatives in cities where the sky is clear.

Will clouds affect moon sighting this Karwa Chauth?

Moon sighting on October 29 could be delayed across Delhi-NCR and parts of central and north India because of unseasonal rain and heavy cloud cover.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated to scattered rain, thunderstorms and cloudy skies for October 29 and 30. The pattern is being driven by an active Western Disturbance, along with the indirect effects of Cyclone Arnab.

Moonrise time versus what you can actually see

The astronomical moonrise time is fixed, but whether you can see the moon from the ground depends on how clear the sky is. In Delhi-NCR, the moon is scheduled to rise between 8:11 PM and 8:17 PM. With overcast conditions and evening showers expected, sighting may be delayed or blocked in many parts of Delhi, Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. If the storm front keeps the sky covered, people may have to depend on clearer horizons elsewhere or on local updates.

Karwa Chauth 2026 date, puja muhurat and fasting timings

Karwa Chauth falls on October 29 this year. As with most Hindu festivals, the date is set by Udaya Tithi, which means the tithi present at sunrise decides the day. Here are the timings according to Drik Panchang:

Moonrise time in major cities on October 29, 2026

Check tentative moonrise time for your city here. All timings are in Indian Standard Time.

Why does moonrise time differ across cities?

The moon does not show up at the same moment everywhere in the country. The time depends on a city’s longitude and latitude, which is why eastern cities such as Kolkata see it earlier than western ones such as Mumbai, and southern cities have timings of their own.

Weather plays a part too. Clouds, haze, tall buildings or an obstructed horizon can push back the moment you actually see the moon, even after it has technically risen.

Puja vidhi to follow after moonrise

Karwa Chauth is observed for the health, well-being and long life of one’s husband. Customs differ across families and regions, but sighting the moon in the evening is the centre of the day. The usual steps are:

1. Arrange a diya, a karwa filled with water, flowers, sweets, kumkum and a sieve.
2. Worship Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and other deities, in the way your family does.
3. Wait for the moon. The fast continues until the moon is visible.
4. Offer arghya to the moon as part of Chandra Puja.
5. After sighting the moon and offering prayers, end the fast as your family does.

Many women also look at the moon through a sieve, and then at their husbands, before finishing the ritual.