The month of Kartik is considered highly sacred for worshipping Lord Shri Hari Vishnu and performing virtuous deeds. Deepdaan, holy bathing, chanting, penance, and charity hold special significance during this month. Kartik Purnima marks the conclusion of this auspicious period. It is also known as Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali, and Tripurari Purnima.
According to religious beliefs, worshipping with devotion, bathing in sacred rivers, offering lamps, and serving those in need on this day bring spiritual merit.
According to the Hindu calendar, Kartik Purnima will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Bathing, charity, Deepdaan, and the worship of Lord Vishnu hold special significance on this day.
The Purnima Tithi will begin at 11:42 PM on November 23, 2026, and end at 8:23 PM on November 24, 2026. In Hinduism, the Udaya Tithi, or the lunar date prevailing at sunrise, is considered significant. Therefore, Kartik Purnima will be observed on November 24.
In Sanatan tradition, Kartik Purnima is regarded as an auspicious and spiritually rewarding occasion. According to religious beliefs, bathing in sacred rivers, worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and donating to those in need on this day bring spiritual merit. Religious scriptures also emphasize the importance of chanting, penance, and devotion during the month of Kartik.
The tradition of offering lamps on this day is also ancient. A lamp is considered a symbol of knowledge, faith, and auspiciousness. Just as a small lamp dispels darkness, devotion to God inspires people to overcome ignorance and negativity within themselves.
Dev Deepawali is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm on Kartik Purnima in Varanasi and many other places. According to religious beliefs, the deities descend to Earth on this day to celebrate Deepawali. For this reason, countless lamps are lit at temples, river ghats and sacred places.
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the ghats along the River Ganga are the main attraction during Dev Deepawali. The beautifully illuminated ghats, Vedic chants, Ganga Aarti and devotion of the devotees create a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The sight offers a beautiful experience of devotion, light, and the divine essence of Indian culture.
Kartik Purnima is associated with a well-known mythological story of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, a demon named Tripurasura built three cities using his immense powers and began terrorizing the deities and other worlds. Troubled by his atrocities, the deities prayed to Lord Shiva for protection.
Responding to their prayers, Lord Shiva resolved to destroy Tripurasura. With his divine arrow, he destroyed all three of the demon’s cities and freed the deities from his terror. Following this victory, Lord Shiva came to be known as Tripurari, and Kartik Purnima also became known as Tripurari Purnima.
Puja rituals may vary according to regional customs. Therefore, it is appropriate to follow your family traditions and local religious practices.
In Hinduism, charity is considered an important way to perform virtuous deeds and help others. Supporting people in need on Kartik Purnima is regarded as particularly auspicious. Charity on this day is not merely a religious ritual; it is also an opportunity to fulfill our responsibilities towards society.
On this sacred occasion, devotees donate food grains, meals, and essential items. According to their means, they should help children in need, economically disadvantaged families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
The true spirit of devotion becomes evident when we develop the compassion to understand the suffering of others and help ease their difficulties. Feeding a hungry person, providing essential supplies to someone in need, or supporting a vulnerable individual are meaningful expressions of humanity and selfless service.
By joining the service initiatives of Narayan Seva Sansthan, you can support people in need, people with disabilities, and underprivileged children, connecting this sacred occasion with compassion and service. Let us take a pledge to serve others alongside our prayers on Kartik Purnima and light a lamp of hope in the lives of those who need it most.
Kartik Purnima reminds us of the importance of faith, devotion, charity and service. This sacred festival teaches us that worshipping God is not limited to temples; remembering the Divine is also reflected in our love, kindness, and willingness to help others.
On this Kartik Purnima, worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, offer lamps and pledge to support those in need. Bring happiness into someone’s life according to your abilities and make service an integral part of your life.
On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, light the lamp of service alongside devotion. Make this festival meaningful by helping those in need, who are regarded as manifestations of Narayan.
Q: When will Kartik Purnima be celebrated in 2026?
A: Kartik Purnima will be celebrated on November 24, 2026.
Q: Why is Kartik Purnima called Dev Deepawali?
A: According to religious beliefs, the deities descend to Earth on Kartik Purnima to celebrate Deepawali. Therefore, the festival is known as Dev Deepawali, and lamps are lit at temples and along the ghats of the River Ganga.
Q: Why is Kartik Purnima called Tripurari Purnima?
A: According to mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva destroyed the three cities of Tripurasura on Kartik Purnima. For this reason, Lord Shiva is known as Tripurari, and the occasion is called Tripurari Purnima.
Q: Which deities should be worshipped on Kartik Purnima?
A: Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva holds special significance on this day.
Q: Why is Deepdaan performed on Kartik Purnima?
A: Deepdaan is considered a symbol of auspiciousness, knowledge, and spiritual light. By lighting lamps on this day, devotees express their faith in God and pray for happiness, peace, and positivity in their lives.
Q: What should be donated on Kartik Purnima?
A: Donating food grains, meals, and essential items for people in need according to one’s means is considered auspicious on this day.
Q: Can we perform puja and Deepdaan at home on Kartik Purnima?
A: Yes, devotees can bathe at home and worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. They can also light lamps at their place of worship and perform Deepdaan according to their faith and traditions.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi will be observed on Friday, November 20, 2026. It will begin at 7:15 AM on November 20, 2026, and end at 6:31 AM on November 21, 2026.
Recognizing this urgent need, Narayan Seva Sansthan has launched the ‘Sukoon Bhari Sardi’ initiative. Through this campaign, the organization has pledged to provide 100,000 sweaters and blankets to the destitute, the vulnerable, and those in need.
After the celebrations of Diwali, comes a festival that fills homes with happiness and celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. This festival is Bhai Dooj, also known as Yama Dwitiya.
