Kartik
Amavasya
2026

Kartik Amavasya is observed in the month of Kartik (October-November).

Kartik Amavasya is considered the most special Amavasya as Diwali (the festival of lights) is celebrated on this day.

When in Kartik Amavasya in 2026? Date & Timings

Kartik Amavasya: Monday, 09 November 2026

Amavasya Tithi Begins: 11:27 AM on 08 November 2026

Amavasya Tithi Ends: 12:31 PM on 09 November 2026

Significance of Kartik Amavasya

As per the Vedas, Kartik Amavasya is considered highly auspicious. Here is what makes the Kartika Amavasya special:

• Ancestors come closed to Earth on Kartik Amavasya. Offering food and respect to ancestors helps in their liberation and receive blessings from them.
• This year, Lakshmi Puja coincides with the Kartik Amavasya, making it the best time worship Goddess Lakshmi and seek blessings for prosperity in life.
• On Kartik Amavasya, Lord Ram returns to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. This day is marked as the victory over evil. And to celebrate this, people light Diyas in their homes to welcome Lord Rama, Maa Sita and Lakshman
• Performing holy snaan on this day removes the sins

Kartik Amavasya Rituals and Puja Practices

Most people observing Kartik Amavasya begin preparations early in the morning itself.

The exact rituals vary from family to family, but some practices are widely followed across different traditions.

• Wake up early in the Brahma Muhurta.
• Take a bath in a holy river or sacred water body.
• Offer Arghya (water offering) to Surya Dev (the Sun God).
• Clean the house and light a lamp.

• Place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on a wooden stool (chowki).
• Apply a tilak of Roli, and offer flowers, Akshat (unbroken rice), incense (Dhoop), Panchamrit, and sweets.
• Listen to the Amavasya Vrat Katha with devotion.
• Perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
• Offer food to and water to ancestors.
• Consume only a fruit-based diet (Falahaar) during the fast.
• Parana (Breaking the fast): The fast should be broken the next morning after performing the daily puja.
• Light a mustard oil diya under a Peepal tree and remember your ancestors.

Kartik Amavasya Vrat Vidhi

• Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
• Set up a puja altar with an image or idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks to create a sacred atmosphere.
• Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, and fruits to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Read or listen to stories related to the Amavasya Vrat Katha.
• Perform aarti and offer prayers with devotion and gratitude.
• Observe the Amavasya fast

• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.
• The fast of Kartik Amavasya usually extends for one day and one night. The next morning, after the Amavasya tithi has ended break the fast with a simple meal.

Kartik Amavasya Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Amavasya.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Amavasya.

What not to eat on Kartik Amavasya

During Kartik Amavasya fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Amavasya fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Amavasya fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Amavasya fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Kartik Amavasya Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Kartik Amavasya fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of Kartik Amavasya

Here are the benefits of performing the rituals on the sacred day of Ashwin Amavasya 2026

• Liberation from pitra dosh
• Blessings from the ancestors
• Since this day coincides with Diwali, performing rituals on this day brings wealth and prosperity
• Observing Kartik Amavasya fast detoxifies the body and improves health
• Performing Charity on this day brings Akshya Punya (endless merit)