Kartika
Purnima
2026

Kartika Purnima falls in the month of Kartika (October-November). It is also known as Tripuri Purnima, Tripurari Purnima, Deva-Deepavali.

When Kartika Purnima occurs in the ‘Krittika’ Nakshatra, it is referred to as ‘Maha Kartik’. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva defected the powerful demon Tripurasur.

When in Kartika Purnima in 2026?

Occasion Date and Time

Kartika Purnima 2026: Tuesday, 24 November 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 11:42 PM on 23 November 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 08:23 PM on 24 November 2026

Approx. Moonrise Time: 05:01 PM on 24 November 2026

Tulsi Vivah Timings: 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM 24 November 2026

Significance of Kartika Purnima

Kartika Purnima is religiously and significantly significant.

Here is what makes Kartika Purnima so special -

Lord Vishnu Avatar

It is believed that on Kartika Purnima, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya (fish) to save the Saptarishi and Vedas from demons during a great deluge. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and take performing Kartik snaan blesses the devotees with fortune and prosperity.

Lord Kartikeya Birth

It is believed Lord Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva) was born on Kartika Purnima. Devotees celebrate his birthday by offering prayers and performing various rituals.

Tulsi Vivah

The birthday of Tulsi plant (Vrinda) is also celebrated on Kartika Purnima. Devotees performs the ceremonies of Tulsi Vivah on this day.

Kartik Snaan

On Kartika Purnima, devotees take holy dip in river Ganga majorly in the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi). By taking the holy dip in Ganga, devotees purify themselves of sins. Taking Kartika Snaan is believed to be as powerful as performing 100 Ashvamedha Yagyas.

Kartika Purnima Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

Kartika Purnima is celebrated differently in different regions. People observing Purnima vrat may follow customs such as:

• Wake up early and take purifying bath
• Wear clean clothes
• Read Kartika Purnima Vrat katha
• Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Setup the altar with Lord Vishnu idol and read the Satyanarayan Katha.
• Maintain night vigil with spiritual practices. Staying awake, singing bhajans and meditating through the night is considered especially meritorious.
• Observe the Kartika Purnima Fast
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.
• In the evening, light up 5 to 10 diya and place them in different places, like in the puja room, near the main door, and beside the Tulsi plant.
• Being a Purnima, special prayers are offered to the Moon God (Chandra Dev). Devotees look at the moon and make offerings of water and rice grains for emotional balance and prosperity.
• Donate food and clothes to Brahmins and poor

Kartika Purnima Fasting Rules

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

What not to eat on Kartika Purnima

During Kartika Purnima 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 Purnima fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Purnima 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 Purnima 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 Kartika Purnima 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 Kartika Purnima 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 Kartika Purnima 2026

Devotees observing Sharad Purnima fast see a drastic change in their lives. Here are the benefits -

• Worshipping Lord Vishnu brings prosperity and mukti.
• Worshipping Lord Kartikeya helps in finding the desired life partner.
• Observing Fast on Kartika Purnima brings wealth and happiness.

Kartika Purnima Celebrations and Traditions Across India

Kartika Purnima is celebrated with great devotion across India. On this auspicious day, devotees wake up early and take a holy bath in sacred rivers, lakes, and ponds. According to Hindu beliefs, bathing on Kartika Purnima brings spiritual merit and the blessings of the gods and goddesses.

The festival also marks the conclusion of several important observances of the Kartika month. Tulsi Vivah, which begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi, continues until Kartika Purnima and commemorates the sacred marriage of Tulsi Mata and Lord Shaligram. Many Vaishnav devotees also observe the Bhishma Panchak Vrat during the last five days leading up to Kartika Purnima.

A day before the full moon, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi is celebrated with special worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Kartika Purnima is also observed as Dev Deepawali, when devotees light rows of diyas to commemorate Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura.

The day holds significance beyond Hinduism as well. Jains observe it as the Jain Festival of Light, while Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.