Kartik maas is the most auspicious month for Hindus as it is favorite month for Lord Shiva and Vishnu. In 2009, Kartik month begins on 5^th October and ends on 2^nd November as per the Hindu traditional North Indian calendar followed in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

 In some places, Kartik month is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva. Lord Kartik is also called as Skanda, Subramanya or Shanmukha. During this month, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Kartik are worshipped. Many important and major festivals are celebrated during the Kartik month.

Kartik Shukla Paksha 2009 – October 5^th to October 18^th.

Kartik Krishna Paksha 2009 – October 19^th to November 2^nd.

Some important festivals in Kartik Month 2009 as per North Indian calendar:

• Karva Chauth 2009 – October 7
• Ahoi Ashtami 2009 – October 11
• Dhanteras 2009 – October 15
• Diwali 2009 – October 17
• Lakshmi Puja 2009 on Diwali – October 17
• Bhai Dhooj 2009 – October 19

As per Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu and Kannada Calendars, Kartik month 2009 begins on October 19^th and ends on 16^th November.