Amavasya in November 2009 is the Kartik Amavasya as per Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati and Bengali calendars. And as per North Indian Hindu calendars, it is Margashira Amavasya. In Novmeber 2009, Amavasya date is November 16.
Kartika Amavasya is the last day in Kartik month as per some calendars mentioned above. It is observed with lot of gusto in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Kartik Snan are performed during the auspicious day and pitru karma are observed to please the dead ancestors’ souls.
Paitha Mahakruchcha Vratam is a five-day vratham observed in Karthika Krishna Paksham in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In 2009, Paitha Mahakruchcha vratham begins on November 9 and ends on November 12. Usually, this vrata starts on Kartika Krishna Saptami and ends on Kartika Krishna Ekadashi (Utpanna Ekadasi / Utpatti Ekadasi). During the vrata, Lord Vishnu is worshipped and on each day a type of food is consumed by devotees. The legend or vratha katha of Paitha Mahakricha vrata is mentioned in the prominent Hindu scripture of vrathas known as “Chaturvarga Chintamani”.
Here are the details of food to take on each day during Paitha Mahakracha vrat:
- Kartik Krishna Saptami – November 9, 2009 – Water
- Kartik Krishna Astami – November 10, 2009 – milk
- Kartik Krishna Navami – November 11, 2009 – curd
- Kartik Krishna Dashami – November 11, 2009 – ghee
On Kartik Krishna Ekadashi, also known as Utpatti Ekadashi or Utpanna Ekadasi, the upavasam is broken with performing Vishnu puja.
Karaka Chaturthi vratam is observed on Kartika Krishna paksha Chavithi, the fourth day in the second half of Kartika masam. Karaka Chaturthi 2009 date is November 6. It is mainly observed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and in some parts of Maharashtra by married women. Karaka Chavithi is also observed as Sankashtai hara Vinayaka Chavithi. This puja is dedicated to Lord Ganesh who is worshipped for wellbeing and prosperity.
On Karaka Chaturthi, women observe fast or upavasam for whole day. After seeing the Moon in the evening, women break their fast and take food. This vratham is concluded with Vrata udyapana after performing for 12 or 16 consecutive years.
Dev Diwali is observed on the Full Moon day in the month of Kartik. It is popularly celebrated along the Ganga River banks in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and other holy places in India. In 2009, Dev Diwali date is November 2nd. This festival is dedicated to River Ganga and devotees pay their tribute to Ganga Mata. It is believed that on Dev Deepavali, Gods descend on Earth.
During Dev Diwali, a cultural festival called ‘Ganga Mahotsav’ is celebrated in Varanasi. Prabodhini Ekadashi is the important day in these celebrations. Large number of people throngs to Dasaswamedh Ghat to witness the event.
Kartik Snan and Deepdaan are main rituals performed during Dev Diwali. At the time of sunrise devotees do Kartik Snan and in the evenings they perform Deepotsav. Deepotsav is lightening Diyas or earthen lamps. Deepotsav is an eye-catching celebration on Dev Deepavali day. ‘Ganga Aarti’ is the grand event to participate on this day. Large number of people performs Aarti to Ganga Mata amidst the multitude prayers and mantras.
Dev Diwali is also known as Kartik Purnima, Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima. Dev Diwali is the last day to perform Tulsi Damodar Vivah. During this day, Kapal Mochan Mela is observed with much gusto. Pushkar Mela is also celebrated in Pushkar town of Rajasthan on Dev Diwali day.
Panchuka or Panchaka vrat, also known as Bagapanchuka vrata, is observed during the last five days in Kartika month mainly in Orissa. Panchuka starts on Bodhini Ekadashi and ends on Kartika Purnima festival. As per the beliefs of devotees, who missed to perform Kartik brata, perform Panchuka vrata. It is a huge ceremony in the Pilgrim City of Puri in Orissa. Devotees of Lord Jagannath, observe the vrat with utmost devotion for the last five days of Kartika.
In 2009, Panchuka vrat starts on October 29th and ends on November 2nd. Kartik Purnima marks the ending of Panchuka or Bagapanchuka vrata. During Panchaka, especially on Utthana Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima days, devotees perform Kartika punya snan at Mahodadhi in the sea and offer puja in Puri Jagannath temple.
