Kartik Purnima is one of the most auspicious full moon days in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on the Purnima of the Kartik month, this sacred occasion is associated with devotion, charity, holy bathing, and lighting diyas. It is also celebrated as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, when temples and river ghats glow with thousands of lamps.
Devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva on this day and believe that performing Snan-Daan, offering prayers, and lighting lamps brings spiritual merit and peace. Understanding the Kartik Purnima Mahatva and Snan-Daan Vidhi helps devotees observe the festival according to their family traditions.
When Is Kartik Purnima in 2026?
Kartik Purnima will be observed on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, in New Delhi. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi begins at 11:42 PM on 23 November and ends at 8:23 PM on 24 November. Timings may vary slightly by location and Panchang calculation.
Kartik Purnima Mahatva: Why Is It Celebrated?
Kartik Purnima holds special importance in Hindu religious traditions for several reasons.
1. Lord Shiva and Tripurasura
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura on this day, restoring peace and balance. This is why Kartik Purnima is also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and celebrate his victory over negative forces.
2. Worship of Lord Vishnu
Kartik is considered a sacred month for Lord Vishnu and his devotees. Many people observe prayers, fasting, and other spiritual practices throughout the month, concluding their Kartik observances on Purnima.
3. Dev Deepawali Celebration
Dev Deepawali, popularly known as the Diwali of the Gods, is celebrated on Kartik Purnima in Varanasi. Devotees light earthen lamps along the Ganga ghats, temples, and homes as an expression of devotion and gratitude.
4. Importance of Snan-Daan
Holy bathing and charitable giving are important observances on Kartik Purnima. Devotees traditionally take a bath in sacred rivers and donate food, clothes, or other useful items to those in need. These practices encourage spiritual reflection, generosity, and compassion.
Kartik Purnima Snan-Daan Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals
Devotees can follow these traditional steps to observe Kartik Purnima at home or at a sacred bathing place.
Step 1: Wake Up Early and Take a Holy Bath
Wake up early in the morning, preferably before sunrise. Traditionally, devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga or another sacred river. Those who cannot visit a river can bathe at home with a prayerful mindset, following their family customs.
Step 2: Offer Prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
After bathing, wear clean clothes and prepare a clean puja space. Offer flowers, water, fruits, and a diya to your chosen deity. You may chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" for Lord Vishnu or "Om Namah Shivaya" for Lord Shiva.
Step 3: Perform Daan (Charity)
Charity is an important part of Kartik Purnima. Depending on your means, you may donate food grains, fruits, warm clothes, blankets, or essential supplies to people in need. Giving with sincerity and without expecting anything in return reflects the spirit of daan.
Step 4: Perform Deepdaan
In the evening, light earthen diyas with ghee or oil at your home temple or another safe, appropriate place. Many devotees also participate in Deepdaan near sacred rivers and temples. In Varanasi, the illuminated ghats form a central part of the Dev Deepawali celebrations.
Always follow local rules and avoid releasing lamps or waste into rivers where doing so could harm the environment.
Step 5: Offer Prayers and Distribute Prasad
Conclude the puja with aarti, prayers, and prasad. Some families observe a vrat or prepare special offerings according to their traditions. Spend time in devotional activities and share food or other useful items with family members and those in need.
Essential Samagri for Kartik Purnima Puja
Prepare the following items before beginning the rituals:
- Earthen diyas, cotton wicks, and ghee or oil
- Flowers and fresh fruits
- A clean water vessel
- Incense sticks and sandalwood paste
- Roli, akshat, and a clean puja cloth
- Sweets or other traditional prasad
- Food grains, clothes, or other items intended for donation
The exact puja samagri may differ according to regional customs and family traditions.
Important Kartik Purnima Niyam
- Maintain cleanliness while preparing for the puja.
- Perform Snan-Daan according to your health, circumstances, and local traditions.
- Donate only what you can comfortably afford.
- Spend time in prayer, mantra chanting, and devotional activities.
- Light diyas carefully and follow safety rules near rivers and public ghats.
- Consult your local Panchang for the appropriate ritual timings.
Conclusion
Kartik Purnima is a meaningful celebration of devotion, charity, and the victory of good over evil. From the traditional Snan-Daan rituals to the beautiful Deepdaan celebrations of Dev Deepawali, every observance reflects gratitude and spiritual renewal.
By understanding the Kartik Purnima Mahatva and following the Snan-Daan Vidhi with sincerity, devotees can celebrate this sacred day while embracing the values of compassion, generosity, and faith.
