Discover why the Karva Chauth 2025 moon sighting time varies across cities in India. Know the real scientific and geographical reasons behind it.
Karva Chauth 2025: The Mystery Behind Different Moon Sighting Times in Every City
As the festival of Karva Chauth 2025 approaches, married women across India prepare to fast for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. But one question always arises—why does the moon appear at different times in every city? While someone in Delhi might spot the moon around 8:13 pm, it could be visible in Mumbai closer to 8:55 pm. This isn’t a coincidence—there’s real science behind it.
🌕 Why Moon Sighting Time Differs from City to City
The moon’s appearance time, or moonrise time, varies due to several astronomical and geographical factors. Let’s break them down:
1. Earth’s Rotation
The Earth rotates on its axis from west to east. Because of this, the eastern parts of the country experience moonrise and sunset earlier than the western regions. For example, cities such as Kolkata and Patna observe the moon earlier than Mumbai or Ahmedabad.
2. Difference in Longitude
India covers almost 30 degrees of longitude but follows a single time zone—Indian Standard Time (IST), based on 82.5° E longitude (near Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh).
That means local solar times differ. Cities east of this line experience celestial events (like sunrise or moonrise) before cities lying to the west.
3. The Moon’s Orbit Around the Earth
The moon revolves around Earth once every 27.3 days. As a result of this movement, the sun rises about 50 minutes later each day. This slight delay interacts differently with local geography, causing variations in sighting times.
4. Earth’s Tilt and Seasons
Earth’s axis is tilted at about 23.5°. This tilt changes how the moon’s path appears across the sky depending on the season. Around Karva Chauth, which falls close to autumn, the tilt causes the moon to rise at slightly different angles in different parts of the country.
5. Geographic Location and Horizon Visibility
Local topography—mountains, tall buildings, or the coastline—can affect how soon the moon becomes visible above the horizon. Coastal areas often see it later, while elevated or flat terrains may get a clearer view earlier.
🌙 Examples of City-wise Moon Sighting Times (Approx.)
Here are estimated moon sighting times for major Indian cities during Karva Chauth 2025 (based on astronomical data and ABP Live’s reference):
| City | Moon Sighting Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 8:13 PM |
| Lucknow | 8:02 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 8:47 PM |
| Mumbai | 8:55 PM |
| Hyderabad | 8:26 PM |
| Jaipur | 8:19 PM |
| Chandigarh | 8:11 PM |
| Patna | 7:58 PM |
(Note: These are approximate timings; actual visibility may vary due to weather or local conditions.)
🌏 The Science Behind the Tradition
While Karva Chauth is deeply rooted in devotion and culture, the timing of moonrise connects tradition with astronomy. The variations in moonrise remind us of the Earth’s continuous motion—a cosmic dance between the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
So, when you wait eagerly for the moon on Karva Chauth 2025, remember: your location on Earth and its movement through space decide when that beautiful silver disc graces your sky.
💫 Final Thoughts
The next time someone asks, “Why does the moon come late in my city?”, you can proudly explain—it’s not delay; it’s science in action.
Each city’s unique position on Earth determines when it’s perfectly aligned to see the moon. And that’s what makes every Karva Chauth moment special across India.
“From News Heaven—bringing you the truth behind every tradition, where culture meets science.”
Also read: Tragic Loss: Bollywood & Punjabi Star Varinder Ghuman Dies During Surgery in Amritsar