Autumn festival · Shiva (Tripurari) and Vishnu

Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali)

Kartik Purnima: the date for the coming year is being calculated; see the dates by year below.

A holy dawn bath, lamps on the water and the full Moon that closes the sacred month of Kartika.

Kartik Purnima (Kartika Purnima) is the full Moon day of the month of Kartika, the last day of a month traditionally kept for early-morning baths, lamp offerings and prayer. It falls on Kartika Shukla Purnima, about a fortnight after Diwali, and is sacred to Shiva, who is remembered as Tripurari, and to Vishnu. In Varanasi the evening is celebrated as Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the gods, when the ghats of the Ganga are lit with countless lamps.

Verified byPandit Laljee PandeyVedic Astrologer & Vastu Expert · 20+ years of experience

Kartik Purnima

Date: –
Tithi: Kartika Purnima
Deity: Shiva (Tripurari) and Vishnu

Times for New Delhi. Change the city below.

Kartik Purnima in your city

Times follow each city's own sunrise and moonrise, and outside India Kartik Purnima can fall a day apart.

All 111 cities and countries

India

Top cities outside India

Choose your country

Not listed? Use “Change city” in the muhurat panel below for any place.

Kartik Purnima muhurat and timings in detail

Timings for New Delhi, Delhi

Meaning

Significance of Kartik Purnima

Kartika is traditionally regarded as one of the holiest months of the year, and its full Moon is its high point. A bath in a sacred river before sunrise (Kartik Snan), followed by lighting lamps (deepdaan) and giving in charity, is traditionally believed to be especially meritorious on this day. Many devotees who have kept the Kartik Snan through the whole month complete their vow on the Purnima.

The day is also called Tripurari Purnima, in memory of Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura and his three flying cities. It is traditionally believed that the gods celebrated this victory by lighting lamps and descending to bathe in the Ganga at Kashi, which is why Varanasi marks the evening as Dev Deepawali. In some traditions Kartik Purnima is also linked with Vishnu's first incarnation as the fish (Matsya avatar), and it marks the close of the Tulsi Vivah season and the five-day Bhishma Panchak observance that begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi.

Several communities hold important observances on this full Moon. Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab), the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on Kartik Purnima as a separate observance of their own faith. Jain pilgrims resume the climb to the Shatrunjaya hills at Palitana, and great fairs are held at Pushkar in Rajasthan and Sonepur in Bihar. In Odisha the day remembers the seafaring traders of old with small boats floated on the water.

The story

The three sons of the demon Tarakasura are said to have gained a boon through great penance: three magnificent flying cities, of gold, silver and iron, that could be destroyed only when they came into a single line, and only by a single arrow. Secure in this boon, the brothers, together known as Tripurasura, troubled the gods and the worlds. The gods turned to Shiva for help. A divine chariot was prepared with the earth as its body, the Sun and Moon as its wheels and Brahma as the charioteer, and Shiva took Mount Meru as his bow.

When the three cities came into line, Shiva released one arrow and destroyed all three at once. He came to be called Tripurari, the enemy of Tripura, and the day is remembered as Tripurari Purnima. The gods rejoiced and lit lamps in celebration; in Varanasi this joy is recalled every year as Dev Deepawali, when lamps are set along the ghats and floated on the Ganga as an offering to the gods who are traditionally believed to come down to bathe in the river.

One festival, many traditions

How Kartik Purnima is celebrated across India

Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh

Known as Dev Deepawali

Before dawn, large numbers of devotees bathe in the Ganga at the ghats of Varanasi and offer prayers and lamps. In the evening the long line of ghats along the river is lit with clay lamps, the Ganga aarti is performed on a grand scale, and families float small leaf-cup lamps (deepdaan) on the water. Elsewhere in the state, fairs and holy baths take place at Ganga towns such as Garhmukteshwar and at the confluence in Prayagraj.

Why it matters there: Kashi is traditionally regarded as Shiva's own city, and Dev Deepawali celebrates his victory over Tripurasura with the belief that the gods themselves come to the ghats on this night.

Odisha

Known as Boita Bandana

Before sunrise, people gather at rivers, ponds and the sea to float small boats (boita) made of banana stem, cork or paper, carrying a lamp, betel leaves and flowers. Families sing and call out the traditional refrain remembering the sea voyages of old. In Cuttack the large Bali Jatra fair begins on the banks of the Mahanadi around this day.

Why it matters there: The ritual remembers the Sadhabas, the merchant sailors of ancient Kalinga who traditionally set sail on this season's winds to trade with lands such as Bali, Java and Sumatra, while their families prayed for a safe return.

Rajasthan (Pushkar)

Known as Pushkar Mela

Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Pushkar lake, especially on the full Moon morning, and visit the temple of Brahma, one of very few in India dedicated to him. The famous Pushkar fair, with its livestock and camel trading, folk music and cultural events, is held in the days leading up to the Purnima and reaches its peak on the day itself. Lamps are floated on the lake in the evening.

Why it matters there: Pushkar is traditionally associated with Brahma, and a bath in its lake during the last days of Kartika is regarded as especially sacred.

Bihar (Sonepur)

Known as Sonepur Mela (Harihar Kshetra Mela)

Devotees bathe at the meeting of the Gandak and the Ganga near Sonepur and Hajipur, and worship at the Harihar Nath temple. A large fair, historically famous for its cattle and elephant trading, begins around Kartik Purnima and continues for several weeks.

Why it matters there: The place is linked with the story of Gajendra Moksha, in which Vishnu rescues an elephant held by a crocodile, and with the worship of Vishnu and Shiva together as Harihar.

Punjab and Sikh communities everywhere

Known as Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab)

Sikhs celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, on Kartik Purnima. Gurdwaras hold a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (Akhand Path), early-morning processions (Prabhat Pheri), a Nagar Kirtan through the streets, and langar open to all. Gurdwaras and homes are lit up in the evening.

Why it matters there: Gurpurab is a Sikh observance in its own right that happens to fall on the same full Moon; it is celebrated according to Sikh tradition, and people of all backgrounds are welcomed at the langar.

Gujarat (Jain tradition)

Known as Shatrunjaya Yatra

During the four monsoon months (chaturmas) Jain pilgrims traditionally do not climb the sacred Shatrunjaya hill at Palitana. On Kartik Purnima the pilgrimage reopens, and large numbers of devotees climb the steps to the temples at the top, and many also walk the longer circuit (parikrama) around the hill.

Why it matters there: Shatrunjaya is one of the holiest places in Jainism, and the Kartik Purnima yatra marks the joyful end of the chaturmas period of restraint.

Tamil Nadu (a related observance)

Known as Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lamps observed on the day of the Krittika nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai. Homes are lined with rows of clay lamps, and at Tiruvannamalai a great flame (Maha Deepam) is lit on top of the Arunachala hill.

Why it matters there: It is reckoned by the Tamil solar month and the nakshatra rather than by the lunar Kartika month, so it may fall on Kartik Purnima in some years and on a different day in others.

Step by step

Kartik Purnima puja vidhi

1
Wake early and, if possible, take the holy bath in the Kartik Snan (holy bath): Brahma Muhurat to sunrise window shown above, in a river or at home with a few drops of Ganga jal added to the bath water.
2
While bathing, remember the sacred rivers with the traditional verse beginning Gange cha Yamune chaiva, and offer water to the rising Sun from a copper lota.
3
Wear clean clothes and make a mental resolve (sankalp) for the day's worship, fast or charity, as your family custom suggests.
4
Clean the puja area and set up pictures or idols of Vishnu (or Satyanarayan) and Shiva, with a Shivling if your family keeps one.
5
Worship Vishnu with tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, sandalwood, incense and a ghee lamp, and offer Shiva water or milk, bel leaves and white flowers.
6
If your family keeps the custom, perform the Satyanarayan puja during the Purnima tithi: set up the kalash, offer panchamrit and the prasad of sheera (suji halwa) with banana and tulsi, and read or listen to the Satyanarayan katha.
7
Light a lamp at the tulsi plant and, if you have been keeping the Kartika month observances, offer your prayers for their completion.
8
Give charity according to your means, such as food, warm clothes, lamps, grain or a donation to a temple or to people in need.
9
In the Dev Deepawali: Pradosh Kaal window shown above, light clay lamps at the doorway, in the courtyard, at the tulsi and near any water source at home.
10
If you are near a river or pond and it is safe, float a small leaf-cup lamp (deepdaan) on the water with a prayer; otherwise place lamps at home in a bowl of water.
11
After moonrise, offer water to the full Moon if that is your custom, then share prasad with the family and break the fast if you have kept one.

Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati, Narmade Sindhu Kaveri jale'smin sannidhim kuru

O Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri, please be present in this water. A traditional verse said while bathing, which turns a bath at home into a remembrance of the sacred rivers.

Om Namah Shivaya

Salutations to Shiva. Can be repeated in remembrance of Shiva as Tripurari, during the morning worship and while lighting lamps.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Salutations to the Lord Vasudeva (Vishnu). Can be repeated during the Vishnu or Satyanarayan puja.

What you need

Puja samagri (items)

Ganga jal
Copper or brass lota for water offerings
Clay lamps (diya), ghee or sesame oil and cotton wicks
Leaf cups (dona) for floating lamps
Picture or idol of Vishnu or Satyanarayan
Shivling or picture of Shiva (optional)
Tulsi leaves
Bel leaves (bilva patra)
Flowers, including yellow and white flowers, and a small garland
Kalash with mango leaves and a coconut (for the Satyanarayan puja)
Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar)
Sheera made with suji, ghee and sugar, and bananas for prasad
Roli or kumkum, sandalwood paste and rice grains (akshat)
Incense sticks (agarbatti) and camphor
Yellow cloth for the deity's seat
Satyanarayan katha book
Items for charity, such as grain, warm clothes or lamps

Fasting

Kartik Purnima vrat rules

The fast on Kartik Purnima is optional. Many families who perform the Satyanarayan puja keep a fast from morning until the puja, and some keep it until moonrise.
A phalahar fast is common: fruit, milk, curd, dry fruits and sattvic dishes without grains, onion or garlic, according to family custom.
The fast is usually broken after the Satyanarayan puja or after offering water to the Moon, beginning with the puja prasad.
Those who have kept the month-long Kartik Snan or other Kartika vows traditionally complete them on this day with worship and charity.
Anyone who is pregnant, elderly, diabetic or has other health concerns should keep a lighter fast with water, milk and fruit, or consult a doctor first. This is general guidance, not medical advice; worship with devotion is complete even without a fast.

Do's and don'ts

What to do, and what to avoid

Do

Take the holy bath early, in the Kartik Snan (holy bath): Brahma Muhurat to sunrise window shown above, at a safe ghat or at home with Ganga jal.
Light lamps generously in the evening, at the doorway, the tulsi plant and near water, in the Dev Deepawali: Pradosh Kaal window shown above.
Give charity of food, warm clothes, lamps or grain according to your means.
Perform the Satyanarayan puja or read the katha within the Purnima tithi if that is your family custom.
If you visit a ghat or fair, go early, stay with your group, keep children close and follow the instructions of local authorities and lifeguards.
Use clay lamps and natural materials for deepdaan so the river is not harmed.
If Gurpurab is being celebrated near you, you are welcome to visit the gurdwara respectfully, with your head covered and shoes removed.

Avoid (inauspicious)

Do not bathe in deep or fast-flowing water, enter the river where bathing is not permitted, or go beyond the marked area at crowded ghats.
Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol and, in many families, onion and garlic on this day.
Do not float plastic, thermocol or synthetic decorations on the water, and take back any waste from the ghat.
Avoid starting the main puja during Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda or Gulika, which this page lists as times to avoid.
Avoid quarrels, harsh words and unkind behaviour, especially during the evening lamp offering.
Do not push elders, children or anyone unwell into a cold dawn river bath or a strict fast; a bath at home is a fully accepted alternative.

Common questions

Kartik Purnima FAQs

Is Dev Deepawali the same as Kartik Purnima?

Dev Deepawali is the name Varanasi gives to the evening of Kartik Purnima, when the ghats are lit with lamps in celebration of Shiva's victory over Tripurasura. So it falls on Kartik Purnima, but the name refers especially to the lamp festival of Kashi. In other places the same full Moon is observed with a holy bath, deepdaan and charity, under the name Kartik Purnima.

Is Kartik Purnima the same day as Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Yes, Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) is traditionally celebrated by Sikhs on Kartik Purnima. They are separate observances of different faiths that share the same full Moon. Gurpurab is celebrated in gurdwaras with Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheri, Nagar Kirtan and langar.

Can I do Kartik Snan at home?

Yes. A bath at home in the Kartik Snan (holy bath): Brahma Muhurat to sunrise window shown above, with a few drops of Ganga jal added to the water and the sacred rivers remembered with the Gange cha Yamune verse, is a long-standing traditional alternative. It is especially sensible for elders, children and anyone for whom crowds, cold water or river currents are a concern.

What is deepdaan and how is it done?

Deepdaan means offering lamps. On Kartik Purnima people light clay lamps at home, at temples and by the water, and float small leaf-cup lamps on rivers and ponds with a prayer. If there is no safe water body nearby, lamps can be placed in a bowl of water at home or simply lit at the doorway and tulsi plant.

Should I do the Satyanarayan puja on Kartik Purnima?

Many families perform the Satyanarayan puja on Purnima days, and Kartik Purnima is considered a particularly good occasion for it. It is a family custom rather than a requirement. If you do it, perform it within the Purnima tithi shown above and share the prasad with everyone present.

Why are small boats floated in Odisha on this day?

The custom, called Boita Bandana, remembers the merchant sailors of ancient Kalinga who traditionally set out on long sea voyages in this season. Families float small lamp-lit boats on rivers, ponds and the sea before sunrise, recalling the prayers once offered for the sailors' safe return.

Is Karthigai Deepam the same festival?

They are related festivals of lamps but are reckoned differently. Karthigai Deepam in Tamil Nadu follows the Tamil solar month and the Krittika nakshatra, so it may coincide with Kartik Purnima in some years and fall on a different day in others.

More autumn festivals

Navratri Dussehra Karwa Chauth Dhanteras Narak Chaturdashi Diwali

All festivals and vrats →