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Kartik Purnima is a festival celebrated all over India and is known by different names, such as ‘Kartik Poornima,’ ‘Tripuri Purnima,’ and ‘Tripurari Purnima.’ According to the lunar calendar of the Hindu religion, it is one of the crucial festivals celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartik month.
This auspicious day, which holds immense religious and cultural importance, is a unifying force celebrated with great enthusiasm across the diverse cultural landscape of India.
In this blog, you will get to know more about the significance and various traditions associated with Kartik Purnima.
When is Kartik Purnima 2024?
The Kartik Purnima date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Kartik Purnima in India will be observed on 15 November 2024. This day marks the full moon (Purnima) of the Kartik month, which is the eighth month in the Hindu calendar.
Kartik Purnima Significance
Kartik Poornima, also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima, is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva destroyed the demon's three cities with a single arrow, signifying the victory of good over evil.
Devotees participate in various rituals, prayers, and ceremonies to pay homage to Lord Shiva and celebrate these important events. The festival is marked by acts of devotion and reverence, reflecting its deep spiritual significance.
In addition to this, Kartik Purnima is celebrated for several other reasons:
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Birth of Matsya Avatar: The day also commemorates the manifestation of Matsya, the fish incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, Vishnu took the form of Matsya to save the Vedas and the sage Manu from a demon, ensuring the preservation of sacred knowledge.
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Tulsi Vivah: Kartik Purnima is associated with the marriage of Tulsi (the sacred basil plant) to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi, revered as an incarnation of the goddess Vrinda, is honoured with rituals and ceremonies to celebrate this divine union.
Kartik Snan
One of the most important rituals associated with Kartik Purnima is the Kartik Snan (holy bath). Devotees take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, believing that it will help them in cleansing their sins and bring them closer to salvation (Moksha).
The holy dip is usually taken during the Brahma Muhuruta, which is considered the most auspicious time.
| Date | Day | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 15th November 2024 | Friday | 6:19 AM |
| 16th November 2024 | Saturday | 2:58 AM |
| Date | Day | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 15th November 2024 | Friday | 6:19 AM |
| 16th November 2024 | Saturday | 2:58 AM |
Festival of Lights: Dev Deepavali
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and some parts of India, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as Dev Deepavali, also known as the Diwali of the Gods. On this day, the entire city is adorned with lights. The ghats of the river Ganga are illuminated with thousands of earthen lamps (Diyas), creating a mesmerising sight.
People gather to witness the grand Ganga Aarti, a ritual where prayers are offered to the river goddess. Then, devotees also offer prayers to the river and perform various rituals to seek blessings from the divine.
Traditions and Celebrations
A variety of traditional practices and celebrations across India mark Kartik Purnima:
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Lighting Lamps: The devotees light lamps in their houses and temples to light up the dark and invite prosperity and happiness.
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Fairs and Festivals: Many regions host fairs and cultural events where people gather to celebrate with music, dance, and food. The Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. It begins with the onset of Kartik month and ends on the day of Kartik Purnima.
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Boat Festival: In some parts of India, especially in Odisha, boat festivals are organised, during which beautifully decorated miniature boats are floated on rivers and lakes. These are made of banana peels and cork. The festival is known as ‘Boita Bandana’
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Tulsi Vivah: The ceremonial marriage of the holy basil plant (Tulsi) with Lord Vishnu is performed, symbolising the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the wedding season.
Embracing the Light: Kartik Purnima’s Timeless Traditions
Kartik Purnima is a festival that embodies the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. The rituals and celebrations associated with this day reflect the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Whether it is the illuminating ghats of Varanasi during Dev Deepavali or the ceremonial Tulis Viva, Kartik Purnima is a day of spiritual significance and joyous celebrations. Hence, may this Kartik Poornima bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to all!
Frequently Asked Questions
Kartik Poornima or Kartik Purnima in India will be observed on 15th November 2024. The date varies each year as it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Kartik Purnima's significance lies in its association with various mythological events. It marks the Triumph of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Matsya. It is a day of religious observances and spiritual activities.
On Kartik Purnima, devotees perform rituals such as taking a holy dip in sacred rivers (Kartik Snan), lighting lamps, and offering prayers to deities like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Many people also observe fasts and engage in charitable activities.
Kartik Purnima is also called Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima because it commemorates the day when Lord Shiva defeated Demon Tripurasura. Lord Shiva demolished the demon's three cities, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Kartik Purnima celebrations vary across India. In Odisha, it is celebrated as Boita Bandana with boat festivals. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, people perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya. In the North, particularly in Varanasi, it is celebrated as Dev Deepavali with grand festivities.
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