कार्तिक पूर्णिमा
Kartika Purnima
The holiest full moon of the year, for a dawn bath in a sacred river and lamps on the water.
About Kartika Purnima
Kartika Purnima closes the sacred month of Kartika. A bath in the Ganga or any holy river at dawn, called Kartika Snan, is believed to wash away sins.
The same full moon is Dev Diwali in Varanasi, Guru Nanak Jayanti for Sikhs, and the day Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Tripurasura, which is why it is also called Tripuri Purnima.
How to celebrate
Take a holy dip at sunrise in a river, or add a few drops of Ganga jal to your bath.
Donate food, clothes or lamps.
Float diyas on the water in the evening.
Many people keep a fast and read the Satyanarayan katha.
Questions
When is Kartika Purnima in 2026?
Kartika Purnima 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Purnima tithi begins at 11:42 PM on Monday 23 November and ends at 8:23 PM on Tuesday 24 November IST.
Why is Kartika Purnima called Tripuri Purnima?
Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities of the demon Tripurasura on this full moon. The gods celebrated by lighting lamps, which is the origin of Dev Diwali.
What should be donated on Kartika Purnima?
Lamps, food, warm clothes and sesame are traditional gifts on this day.
Around Kartika Purnima
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
Never miss a vrat
Subscribe once and every date appears in your phone calendar, with a reminder the evening before. New years are added automatically.
Every festival and vrat
Ekadashis only