Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) 2026 कार्तिक पूर्णिमा

The story behind Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali)

Kartik Purnima, the full moon of Kartik, celebrates Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura (as Tripurari) and is also revered as the birth of Kartikeya and, for Sikhs, the birth of Guru Nanak (Gurpurab).

Significance of Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali)

It is among the holiest full moons, ideal for a holy dip, lamp-offering (deep daan) and charity; Dev Deepawali in Varanasi lights the ghats with thousands of lamps.

How Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) is celebrated

• A holy dip in the Ganga or a sacred river at dawn
• Deep daan — floating and offering lamps on the river
• Charity, fasting and worship of Vishnu and Shiva
• Tulsi Vivah in the days around it

Regional variations

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is spectacular; Pushkar in Rajasthan holds its famous fair and lake-bath; Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Gurpurab.

Festive foods of Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali)

Traditional dishes prepared for Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) include kheer, sattvik prasad and fruit.

Quick tips

• Offer lamps (deep daan) at a river in the evening
• A holy dip at dawn is considered especially meritorious

Choosing the muhurat on Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali)

Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) falls on Kartik Purnima. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.