Karva is another word for 'pot' (a small earthen pot of water) and chauth means 'fourth' in Hindi (a reference to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day of the dark-fortnight, or Krishna paksh, of the month of Kartik).
You don't have to be married or be Indian to observe this day. You may see an especially ominous moonrise on this day. You can fast for your partners in the name of the moon.
You go about your day until evening time. This is usually the most excruciating time. The moon will rise later than you want - even if you have the exact timing and location. The anticipation is just unbearable. You must feel this in the name of your partner in honor of the moon.
Break your fast by eating something sweet. This is the ritual.
Wish everyone a strong love life and a partner who devotes themselves in this way.
