Kartik Purnima 2026 – Festival of Light and Divine Victory
Date: 24 November 2026
Full Date
23 November 2026 11:44 PM – 24 November 2026 8:25 PM
Muhurat Timings in India
Tripuri Purnima Lighting Ceremony
Devotees light thousands of lamps on the evening of November 24, 2026, celebrating the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura.
24 November 2026 Evening 6:00 PM – 24 November 2026 Night 9:00 PM
Tulasi Vivaha
The ceremonial marriage of the sacred Tulasi plant to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing divine union, is celebrated on Kartik Purnima.
24 November 2026 Morning 10:00 AM – 24 November 2026 Afternoon 1:00 PM
Introduction
Kartik Purnima is a revered festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartik month. It is also known as Tripuri Purnima and Deva-Deepavali, observed especially for Lord Shiva's triumph over the demon Tripurasura. The day is marked by lighting lamps, spiritual rituals, and acts of charity.
Other Names
Tripuri Purnima, Tripurari Purnima, Deva-Deepavali
Pooja Vidhi
- Begin with an early morning holy bath and purify the surroundings.
- Prepare altar with lamps, flowers, and images or idols of Shiva, Vishnu, and Tulasi.
- Light diyas and offer fruits, flowers, and sweets to the deities.
- Recite prayers and Shiva mantras with devotion.
- Conclude the puja by distributing prasad and organizing charitable acts.
Rituals
- Devotees light thousands of earthen lamps and candles in temples and riverbanks.
- Perform holy baths (Ganga Snan) in sacred rivers followed by charity and donations.
- Special pujas and chanting dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Tulasi are conducted.
- Participate in fairs and cultural programs organized on this auspicious day.
- Read scriptures and sing devotional songs celebrating divine victory and unity.
Regional Highlights
- In North India, Kartik Purnima is marked by fairs, holy dips in rivers, and large-scale lamp lighting.
- Eastern states celebrate with grand celebrations of Tulasi Vivaha and community gatherings.
- South India observes related festivals like Karthika Deepam with temple lightings and special rituals.
- In Sikhism and Jainism, Kartik Purnima holds distinct religious importance with specific observances.
History
The festival commemorates the mythological event where Lord Shiva destroyed the three demon cities of Tripurasura with a single arrow, restoring cosmic balance. It also celebrates the divine union of Vishnu and Tulasi and is linked to the end of the chaturmasya period when Vishnu awakens. It is a day of joy, light, and devotion across many Indian traditions.
Additional Information
- Kartik Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious full moon days in the Hindu calendar.
- The festival symbolizes light, victory, spiritual awakening, and unity across diverse traditions.
- Thousands participate in charitable acts, ritual baths, and devotional gatherings on this day.