Kartik is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, and its full-moon day, Kartik Purnima, is its spiritual peak. It is a day for bathing in sacred rivers, lighting lamps, offering charity and remembering the divine. It comes about two weeks after Diwali and just after Dev Uthani Ekadashi.
Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali 2026 Date
Kartik Purnima 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November, according to Drik Panchang. The date is the same in India, the UK, the USA and the UAE. In Tamil Nadu the day is celebrated as Karthigai Deepam and in Kerala as Thrikarthika.
Why Is It Called Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali means “the Diwali of the gods”. According to tradition, the gods descend to the earth to bathe in the Ganga on this day. The day is also known as Tripurari Purnima, because it is linked to the story of Lord Shiva destroying the demon Tripurasura, who had three flying cities, bringing relief to the gods. In Varanasi the ghats from Assi to Rajghat are lit with lakhs of earthen lamps, and Ganga aarti draws large crowds.
Rituals of Kartik Purnima
- Kartik snan: Taking a holy dip at dawn in the Ganga, Yamuna or another sacred river. If you cannot travel, add a few drops of Ganga jal to your bath water at home.
- Deepdaan: Lighting diyas at a temple, river bank, Tulsi plant or at home.
- Daan: Offering food, clothes, grains or money to those in need.
- Puja: Worshipping Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu or Lord Satyanarayan, and reciting the katha.
- Fasting: Some devotees keep a day-long fast and break it after moonrise.
How to Do Deepdaan at Home
Clean the entrance and the Tulsi area of your home.
Fill earthen diyas with ghee or sesame oil and place a cotton wick in each.
Light the diyas after sunset, starting with one for the family deity.
Place diyas at the main door, the Tulsi plant, the temple of your home and, if safe, a window or terrace.
Offer a prayer for peace, health and the well-being of everyone.
Note : Keep diyas away from curtains and children. If you use ghee or oil lamps outdoors, shield them from wind.
Kartik Purnima in Other Traditions
Sikh communities observe Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab on Kartik Purnima, and the Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan culminates with a holy dip on this day. Jain communities also observe important pilgrimages around Kartik Purnima. The day shows how India’s traditions meet in the shared language of light and gratitude.
A Practice of Light and Service
The central message of the day is simple: light a lamp and share your blessings. At Agnitra Foundation, our Maa Annapurna Seva serves satvik meals to poor children, widows and the elderly in Vrindavan, a meaningful way to practise daan on this day. For personal guidance on pujas or Vedic havan, you can make an appointment with Tantrguru Shree Ganesh Dubey.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kartik Purnima in 2026?
Kartik Purnima 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November. Dev Deepawali, Karthigai Deepam and Thrikarthika are observed on the same day.
What is Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali is the Diwali of the gods, celebrated on Kartik Purnima. It is most famous in Varanasi, where lakhs of diyas are lit on the Ganga ghats.
Is Dev Diwali the same as Diwali?
No. Diwali is celebrated on the amavasya of Kartik, and in 2026 the main Lakshmi Puja is on 8 November. Dev Diwali is celebrated about 15 days later, on Kartik Purnima.
Why is Kartik Purnima also called Tripurari Purnima?
It is linked to the story of Lord Shiva, called Tripurari, destroying the demon Tripurasura and his three cities, which brought relief to the gods.
What should I do on Kartik Purnima?
Common practices include a holy dip at dawn, lighting diyas (deepdaan), offering charity, worshipping Lord Shiva or Vishnu, and reciting the Satyanarayan katha.
Connect with Agnitra Foundation
Agnitra Foundation, The Cosmic Light House, is a spiritual and holistic science-based NGO founded by Tantrguru Shree Ganesh Dubey, who has more than 35 years of experience in Satvik Tantra, paranormal healing and holistic sciences. The foundation has trained over 12,000 students through courses, counselling and workshops.
Make an appointment: https://www.agnitrafoundation.org/register-now/ | Call: +91 98670 71108 (open daily, 10 am to 6 pm)
Head Office, Delhi: 253, 2nd Floor, Shahpur Jat Village, New Delhi 110049 | Mumbai: Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058 | Vrindavan: Parikrama Marg, Sunrakh Rd, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
