Karwa Chauth is one of the most beloved and spiritually significant festivals for married Hindu women. On this day, women observe a nirjala fast (without food or water) from sunrise until the moonrise, praying for the long life, prosperity, and well-being of their husbands. While the fasting and rituals are deeply rooted in devotion and tradition, one question often arises every year — why does the moon rise so late on Karwa Chauth? Let’s understand both the scientific and scriptural reasons behind this fascinating celestial occurrence.
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Why Does the Moon Rise Late on Karwa Chauth?
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According to Hindu scriptures, the moon that rises on Karwa Chauth is not just any moon — it is the moon of the Kartik month, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s divine presence after penance. Worshipping and sighting this moon is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed to bring blessings, harmony, and prosperity to married couples.
However, apart from this sacred symbolism, there’s a scientific explanation for the late moonrise as well — one rooted in the moon’s orbit and its movement around the Earth.
The Science Behind Late Moonrise
The moon takes approximately 27.3 days to complete one full revolution around the Earth. During this orbit, it moves about 12 degrees eastward every day.
Because of this eastward movement:
The Earth must rotate a little longer for the moon to appear again above the horizon.
This results in the moon rising about 48 to 50 minutes later each day.
This gradual delay in the moon’s position explains why it appears in a different part of the sky each night and why its rising time keeps shifting throughout the lunar cycle.
Connection Between the Lunar Cycle and Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth falls on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha — the waning phase of the moon after the full moon (Purnima).
Here’s the simple math:
The moon rises approximately 48 minutes later each day.
Since Karwa Chauth occurs four days after the full moon, the delay becomes:
48 minutes × 4 days = 192 minutes (3 hours 12 minutes).
This means that on the night of Karwa Chauth, the moon rises nearly three hours after sunset, making the wait longer for those fasting but also more spiritually significant.
Why the Moon Appears Even Later Sometimes
Even after the calculated time, many people find that the moon isn’t visible immediately. This happens due to atmospheric and geographical factors such as:
Clouds or haze in the post-monsoon sky.
Air pollution that obscures the horizon.
Differences in geographical location, since people in eastern India see the moon earlier than those in the north or west.
These factors can delay visibility, though the moon technically has already risen.
Scriptural Significance of the Karwa Chauth Moon
As per the Hindu scriptures, the moon of Kartik month represents peace, purity, and penance. It is believed that this moon carries the divine energy of Lord Shiva, who symbolizes calmness and strength. Therefore, when women worship the moon on Karwa Chauth, it is considered as offering prayers directly to the divine form of Shiva — marking the end of their day-long devotion and the beginning of blessings for marital harmony.
In Essence
The late moonrise on Karwa Chauth is a beautiful blend of astronomy and spirituality.
Scientifically, it happens due to the moon’s eastward orbit and its 48-minute daily delay.
Spiritually, it signifies Lord Shiva’s presence and is seen as a moment of divine connection and fulfillment for married women.
So, the next time you look at the sky on Karwa Chauth night, remember — that glowing moon you’re waiting for isn’t just a celestial body; it’s a symbol of devotion, patience, and cosmic balance.
(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
