Kartik Purnima (Tripuri Poornima, Tripurari Purnima) is the Full Moon and auspicious day in Kartik month. In 2025, Kartik Purnima date is November 5.
Kartik Purnima day marks the end of Kartik month as per the calendars of North India but in other calendars it is the 15th day in Kartik maas. During Kartik Purnima, Dev Diwali, Deepotsavam and Ganga Mahotsav are observed.
On Kartik Purnima, some people perform Tulsi Vishnu Vivah. It is observed on some other days – Bhodini Ekadasi or on Ksheerabdi Dwadashi. Kartik Poornima celebrations are associated with the legend of demon Tarakasur. Tarakasur was demolished by Lord kartik, also known as Skanda or Kumara.
Another legend associated with Kartik Poornima is of Lord Vishnu’s Matsyavatar. It is believed that on this day, Vishnu was incarnated in Matsya incarnation and protected Manu, the first man, from Maha Pralay (deluge).
Significance and Observances
Kartik Purnima marks the culmination of various rituals and festivities that begin with Prabodhini Ekadashi, which signifies the awakening of the gods after a four-month period known as Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu is believed to be in a state of rest. This festival is considered one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar, especially for bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges
Key Rituals and Celebrations
- Holy Bathing: Devotees take ritual baths in sacred rivers, believing it purifies them and brings blessings from the gods. The most auspicious time for bathing is during moonrise
- Lighting Lamps: Thousands of earthen lamps are lit at temples and along riverbanks to celebrate the victory of good over evil, particularly commemorating Lord Shiva’s defeat of the demon Tripurasura
- Tulasi Vivah: This marriage ceremony between Goddess Tulasi and Lord Shaligram is often performed on this day, symbolizing devotion to Lord Vishnu
- Dev Diwali: Known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” this day is celebrated with great fervor in Varanasi, where it is believed that all deities descend to earth to celebrate
Regional Variations
- In Odisha, devotees celebrate by floating miniature boats made from coconut sticks and banana stems in water bodies.
- In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Karthikai Deepam, with homes illuminated by rows of lamps.
- For Jains, Kartik Purnima marks the reopening of pilgrimage sites after Chaturmas, with many undertaking significant pilgrimages to holy sites
do u also have to lit diyas in bathroom during kartik poornima as a part of south indian tamil tradition ?
Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Gauri Purnima in Karnataka.
is it good babies born on kartik purnima day
nature of people born on kartika poornima day
Lord Vishnu prayer on Purnima 8 November 2022
One of the very good articles on Kartika Purnima I have ever read. Kartika purnima has beautiful legends, mantras, mythology, rituals and much more associated. I am fond of reading and I like reading unique and different articles on our Hindu Mythology. I have also gone through an article which was written on ‘Kartika Purnima celebrations and its rituals, history, mantra and much more and Here is the article..