Kartik Puja is observed on Shukla paksha Ekadashi in the month of Kartik along the River banks of Ganga in Varanasi. This Ekadashi day is also called as Prabhodini Ekadashi, Bhodini Ekadasi, Utthana Ekadasi or Dev Utthana Ekadashi. On this day, Tulsi Vishnu Vivah is also performed. In 2009, kartik Puja is observed on 29^th October.

Women perform some special rituals on Kartik Puja day. Deepdaan, Akash deep or Akhand deep, and annadaan are performed on this day. Kartik Snan on this day is highly meritorious. Tulsi worship during Kartik puja gives good results to devotees. Women believe that Tulsi mata blesses them with marital bliss and good health and longer life to their husbands.

Kartik month is the most auspicious month for Hindus. Kartik Maas vrat is observed during the month. In 2009, Kartik month starts on October 5 and ends on November 2 as per the North Indian calendar followed in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. As per the Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati calendars, Kartik month begins on October 19 and ends on October 16.

 The important & Major Festivals celebrated in Kartik Maas:

• Karwa Chauth – October 8
• Dhanteras 2009 – Dhantriodasi – October 15
• Choti Diwali – October 16 – Naraka Chaturdashi
• Diwali 2009 – Deepavali – October 17
• Diwali Lakshmi Pooja – October 17
• Bhai Dooj 2009 – Bhai Phota – Bhav Bij – October 19
• Chhat Nahai Khai – October 22
• Kharna Chhat Festival – October 23
• Labh Panchami 2009 - Laakheni Panchami or Saubhagya Panchami – October 23
• Chhat Puja 2009 – October 24
• Chhat Sandhya Argh – October 24
• Chhat Suryoday Argh – October 25
• Gopashtami – October 27
• Ekadashi – October 29
• Shani Trayodashi – October 31
• Kartik purnima – November 2