Cyclone Arnab has brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and cloudy skies to parts of India’s eastern coast just ahead of Karwa Chauth 2026, which falls on 29 October.For women observing the fast, this raises an important question. What if the Moon does not appear in the sky? How they offer Arghya and complete their Karwa Chauth fast?First, understand that the Moon rising and the Moon being visible are two different things. Clouds hide the Moon from naked our eyes, but they do not prevent Chandrodaya.Our traditions also offer practical alternatives for situations when direct Chandra Darshan is not possible. Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Registered Pharmacist, Astro Numerologist, Life & Relationship Coach, Vaastu Expert, IKS Expert, I Ching Expert, Energy Healer, Music Therapist, Author of “Think like a Sage Lead like a CEO” series and Chief Astro Strategy Officer (CASO), NumroVani, shares things to do when the moon is not sighted on Karwa Chauth.
Seek Chandra Darshan through Lord Shiva
We all know Lord Shiva as Chandrashekhar, the one who holds the Moon on his head.If the Moon remains hidden behind clouds, women can seek Chandra Darshan through the crescent Moon on Lord Shiva’s head. You may visit a nearby Shiva temple or use a picture or idol of Lord Shiva available at home.After the local moonrise time, worship Lord Shiva, offer prayers to Chandra Dev through the Moon depicted on his head, and offer the Arghya.
Make a moon using rice
This is another simple traditional practice that can be performed at home.Place a red or yellow cloth on a clean wooden chowki. Using uncooked rice (Akshat), make the shape of the Moon on the cloth.After the local moonrise time, look at this symbolic Moon through the Karwa Chauth sieve (Chhalni), offer prayers and chant ॐ चंद्राय नमः or ॐ सोम सोमाय नमः.You can then perform the puja and Arghya according to your family tradition.
Worship a silver coin as a symbol of the moon
In astrology, silver is related with Chandra Dev.If you have a silver coin or a round silver piece at home, you may use it as a symbolic representation of the Moon.Place it on a clean plate, worship it with devotion and offer Arghya after the prescribed local moonrise time. The remaining rituals can be completed according to your household customs.
A few things to remember
Before following any of these alternatives, check the correct moonrise time for your city. These practices are intended for situations where the Moon has risen but is not visible because of clouds or adverse weather.Also, families and regional traditions may differ in how they complete the fast when direct Chandra Darshan is not possible.Most importantly, if your area is experiencing heavy rainfall or cyclone-related warnings, avoid going to rooftops or stepping outside merely to sight the Moon.
