Introduction
Kartika Purnima (also spelled Kartik Purnima) is a sacred full-moon festival celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika (typically October–November). It is called by various names: Deva-Deepavali, Tripuri Purnima, Tripurari Purnima, and is observed by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, each with its own emphasis.
This day is imbued with symbolism of light, purification, devotion, and the victory of good over evil. Across India, regional variations color the way people observe Kartika Purnima — from floating lamps to pilgrimage to fairs and rituals by rivers.
In this article, we’ll explore: the myths & legends, significance, rituals & traditions, regional practices, and tips for devotees.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Festival name | Kartika Purnima (Kartik full moon day) |
| Other names | Deva-Deepavali, Tripuri Purnima, Tripurari Purnima |
| When | Full moon (Purnima) of the lunar month Kartika (Oct–Nov) |
| Observed by | Hindus, Jains, Sikhs |
| Key elements | Holy bathing, lighting lamps, charity, temple visits, fairs, boat floating in some regions |
| Associated legends | Shiva destroying Tripurasura, Vishnu’s Matsya avatar, Tulasi & Vrinda, Radha-Krishna raslila |
| Major regional highlight | Boita Bandana in Odisha (floating boats) |
Legends & Divine Significance
1. Killing of Tripurasura by Shiva
One of the principal legends is that on this day Lord Shiva, in his form as Tripurantaka, destroyed the three cities (Tripura) belonging to the demon Tripurasura with a single arrow. This act freed the gods from tyranny, so the day is celebrated as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima.
Because of this, Kartika Purnima is sometimes called Deva-Deepavali (Deepavali of the gods) — a divine festival of lights.
2. Vishnu & Matsya, Tulasi & Vrinda
- In Vaishnava tradition, Kartika Purnima is associated with Vishnu’s first avatar — Matsya.
- The day also honors Tulasi / Vrinda, whose legend is deeply linked to Vishnu and devotion.
3. Radha-Krishna & Raslila
In many Vaishnava communities, Kartika Purnima is considered significant because it is believed that Radha and Krishna performed Raslila on this day. Temples often hold Raslila recitals or devotional performances.
4. Jain Pilgrimage & Spiritual Significance
For Jains, Kartika Purnima is an important day, particularly for the pilgrimage to Palitana in Gujarat, where thousands of devotees ascend Shatrunjaya Hills to worship at the Adinath temple.
Rituals & Traditions of Observance
Holy Bath / Snanam
A key ritual is taking a dip in sacred rivers, lakes or at pilgrimage tirthas (places of sacred water). This is believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul.
In Pushkar (Rajasthan), devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake and perform circumambulation and offerings. A pilgrimage fair (Pushkar Fair) culminates on Kartika Purnima.
Lighting Lamps & Illumination
The festival is strongly associated with lighting diyas / oil lamps — in homes, temples, on ghats, under trees like tulasi, amla, sacred fig.
Temples often arrange deepamalas (towers of lamps), and in Southern India, special Karthika Deepam rituals are held.
Some traditions light 365 wicks (or 360 wicks) to represent days and nights in a year.
Charity, Donation & Fasting
Performing dāna (charity) is emphasized — giving to Brahmins, feeding the poor, gifting lamps, cows, etc.
Some observe fasting (full or partial) especially until moonrise.
Worship & Bhajans / Kirtans
Devotees offer puja to Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, recite mantras, sing bhajans and perform arti.
In many temples, Rudrabhishek (offering ablutions to Shiva) is done.
Marking End of Kartika & Chaturmas
Kartika Purnima marks the culmination of the Kartika month and often coincides with the end of Chaturmasya (the four holy months).
It’s also the last permissible day for Tulasi Vivaha (marriage of Tulasi plant with Vishnu) in many traditions.
Regional Variations & Celebrations
Odisha — Boita Bandana / Bali Jatra
One of the most famous regional celebrations is in Odisha. On Kartika Purnima, people float miniature boats (boitas) made from banana stem, coconut, lighted lamps, betel leaves, etc., in rivers or water bodies. This recalls the ancient maritime voyages of Odishan seafarers (Sadhabas) to Southeast Asia (Java, Bali, Sumatra).
This celebration is also popularly linked to Bali Jatra — a large fair in Cuttack commemorating trade links with Bali and maritime heritage.
Varanasi (Banaras) & Dev Deepavali
In Varanasi, the ghats (riverbanks of Ganga) are illuminated with thousands of lamps; people float lamps in the river. This day becomes a spectacle of Dev Deepavali.
Pushkar Fair
The Pushkar Camel / Cultural Fair begins on Prabodini Ekadashi and culminates on Kartika Purnima, in honor of Brahma whose temple is in Pushkar.
In South India — Karthika Deepam
In Tamil Nadu and South India, Karthika Deepam is celebrated when the full moon coincides with the Krittika nakshatra. Devotees light rows of lamps in homes, under trees, on hilltops (for example at Tiruvannamalai).
Sikh Observance
Some Sikh communities commemorate Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary (Gurupurab / Prakash Parva) on Kartika Purnima, although historical authenticity is debated.
Kartika Purnima in 2025 — What to Expect
- In 2025, Kartika Purnima will be observed on 5 November 2025 (full moon of Kartik) in many panchangs.
- Devotees should check local almanacs / Drik Panchang for precise tithi, moonrise timings, muhurats.
- The festival continues to be a day for illumination, holy bathing, charity, temple rituals, and cultural fairs.
How to Observe Kartika Purnima — Step-by-Step Guide
- Wake early — before sunrise, bathe, cleanse yourself and home.
- Holy bath (snanam / tirtha dip) in a sacred river, lake or temple tank.
- Light a lamp (diya / ghee lamp) in front of deities, under sacred trees, in water bodies (floating lamps).
- Perform Puja / Archana to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Tulasi, etc.
- Sing bhajans / kirtans, recite mantras or stotras (e.g., Vishnu stuti, Shiva stuti).
- Charity / donation — feed the needy, give lamps, grains, clothes.
- Visit temple / pilgrimage — especially in Pushkar, Varanasi, local temples.
- Observe fast (where applicable) until moonrise or for the full day.
- Conclude with offering arghya to Moon / water offerings and enjoy the festival of lights.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why is Kartika Purnima called Deva Deepavali?
A: Because gods (devas) are said to celebrate this day by lighting lamps to mark the defeat of demons (such as in the Tripurasura legend).
Q: Can everyone do the boat-floating tradition (like Boita Bandana)?
A: Yes, where water bodies are available. It is symbolic and especially popular in Odisha and coastal regions.
Q: Is Kartika Purnima linked to Diwali?
A: It is sometimes called the “Diwali of the gods” (Deva Deepavali). Also, Karthika Deepam (in South India) falls about 15 days after Diwali.
Q: Which deities are especially worshipped on this day?
A: Lord Shiva (as Tripurantaka), Lord Vishnu (especially Matsya avatar), Tulasi / Vrinda, Goddess Lakshmi, and also Radha-Krishna in devotional traditions.
Q: What is the importance of lighting lamps?
A: Lighting lamps symbolizes dispelling darkness (ignorance) and invoking divine light (knowledge, purity). It also commemorates the gods’ celebration.
Useful Links
- Wikipedia — Kartika Purnima
- Wikipedia — Boita Bandana
- How to Celebrate Diwali: Rituals & Significance
- Rituals of Shiva Festivals & Maha Shivaratri
Author Block
Author: Sri Vyasapooja Editorial Team
Role: Spiritual & Festival Content Publisher, SriVyasapooja.in
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