Kartika Purnima is one of the most sacred and auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartika month (October–November). It marks the end of the holy month of Kartika, a period dedicated to prayers, fasting, and acts of charity.
Kartika Purnima 2025 Date
In 2025, Kartika Purnima will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The Purnima Tithi begins on the evening of November 4 and continues until November 5. Devotees observe this day with great devotion, performing special pujas and lighting lamps to mark the festival.
Spiritual Importance
Kartika Purnima is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, earning him the name Tripurari. The day is also associated with Lord Vishnu’s first incarnation as Matsya (the fish avatar). Hence, this day is considered auspicious for worshipping both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The festival is also known as Dev Deepawali, which means “the festival of lights for the gods.” It is believed that on this day, the gods descend to earth to bathe in the holy rivers. Lighting lamps and offering prayers during Kartika Purnima brings immense spiritual merit and prosperity.
Main Rituals and Practices
- Holy Bath (Snanam): Devotees take an early morning bath in sacred rivers or water bodies. It is believed to purify the mind and soul.
- Lighting Lamps (Deepadanam): People light ghee lamps in temples, near Tulasi plants, and around their homes. This symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
- Worship of Lord Shiva and Vishnu: Special pujas and prayers are performed in Shiva and Vishnu temples. Devotees chant mantras and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets.
- Charity (Daanam): Donating food, clothes, or money to the poor and needy is considered highly auspicious on this day.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast throughout the day, breaking it only after seeing the full moon.
Regional Celebrations
- In Varanasi, Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Dev Deepawali, where thousands of lamps illuminate the ghats of the Ganga.
- In Odisha, the day coincides with Boita Bandana or Bali Jatra, a festival that honors ancient maritime traders of Kalinga.
- In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, people light lamps around their houses, temples, and Tulasi plants, marking the completion of the holy Kartika month.
Significance in Sikh and Jain Traditions
For Sikhs, Kartika Purnima often coincides with the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Jains also consider this day sacred and perform prayers and charitable acts.
Conclusion
Kartika Purnima is a festival that celebrates light, purity, and divine blessings. It reminds devotees to embrace positivity, perform good deeds, and seek spiritual growth. Whether through lighting lamps, taking a holy dip, or offering prayers, the day holds immense significance for people across India.
This sacred festival beautifully signifies that light always triumphs over darkness, and that faith, devotion, and kindness can bring peace and harmony to life.
