Kartika Purnima, also known as Tripuri Purnima or Deva Diwali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartika month. The festival holds great religious significance as it is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, marking the triumph of good over evil. The day is also associated with Lord Vishnu and is considered highly auspicious for performing religious rituals and taking holy baths.
Kartika Purnima is celebrated with great devotion across India, with people participating in various rituals, lighting lamps, and offering prayers to deities. The festival is particularly significant in Odisha, where it is celebrated as Boita Bandana, a tradition that honors the maritime heritage of the state.
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Kartika Purnima Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
The Significance of Kartika Purnima in India
Kartika Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. The day is believed to be the time when Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Tripurasura, and as a result, it is also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima. Devotees believe that observing fasts, performing pujas, and taking holy baths on this day can cleanse sins and bring divine blessings.
The festival is also significant for followers of Lord Vishnu, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on this day to save the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva. In many parts of India, Kartika Purnima is considered the last day of the holy Kartika month, a period dedicated to worship and penance.
In Odisha, Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Boita Bandana, which commemorates the ancient maritime traditions of the state. The festival marks the beginning of the annual maritime voyage season when traders and sailors would set sail to distant lands for trade. The day is celebrated with the floating of miniature boats in rivers and ponds, symbolizing the ancient trade voyages.
How Kartika Purnima is Celebrated in India
Kartika Purnima is celebrated with a variety of rituals and customs across India, each reflecting the cultural and religious diversity of the country. The day is marked by prayers, holy baths, the lighting of lamps, and community celebrations.
Holy Baths and Pujas: One of the most important rituals of Kartika Purnima is the holy bath, known as “Kartika Snan.” Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a dip in rivers, sacred ponds, or the sea, believing that this act purifies the soul and absolves sins. After the bath, devotees visit temples and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and other deities. Special pujas are performed in temples, with the recitation of mantras and hymns.
Lighting of Lamps (Deva Diwali): Kartika Purnima is also celebrated as Deva Diwali, the festival of lights, particularly in Varanasi and other parts of North India. On this day, devotees light thousands of lamps along the banks of the Ganges River and other holy rivers, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The lighting of lamps is a symbolic gesture to honor the gods and is believed to bring prosperity and peace.
Boita Bandana in Odisha: In Odisha, Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Boita Bandana, a festival that honors the state’s maritime heritage. On this day, people gather near rivers, ponds, and the sea to float miniature boats made of banana peels, paper, or cork, decorated with lamps, flowers, and incense sticks. This ritual is a tribute to the ancient sailors who set out on long voyages during this time of the year. The festival is also marked by cultural programs, folk dances, and community feasts.
Fairs and Festivals: Kartika Purnima is also a time for fairs and festivals in many parts of India. In Pushkar, Rajasthan, the famous Pushkar Fair concludes on this day with a grand celebration. The fair is known for its camel trading, cultural performances, and religious rituals. In Odisha, the Bali Jatra festival begins on Kartika Purnima, celebrating the maritime history of the region with large fairs, exhibitions, and cultural programs.
Tulsi Vivah: Kartika Purnima is also associated with Tulsi Vivah, the ceremonial marriage of the holy basil plant (Tulsi) to Lord Vishnu, symbolized by the deity Shaligram. This ritual marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture. Tulsi Vivah is celebrated with great devotion, particularly in households and temples.
Kartika Purnima in Different Parts of India
Kartika Purnima is celebrated across India, with each region adding its unique flavor to the festivities.
Odisha (Cuttack, Bhubaneswar): In Odisha, Kartika Purnima is celebrated with the Boita Bandana ritual, where people float miniature boats in water bodies to honor the state’s maritime history. The Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack is a major event that begins on Kartika Purnima, attracting large crowds and showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.
Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi): In Varanasi, Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Deva Diwali, with the lighting of lamps along the ghats of the Ganges River. The entire city is illuminated with thousands of lamps, creating a divine and enchanting atmosphere. The day is marked by special prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Rajasthan (Pushkar): In Pushkar, the Kartika Purnima marks the conclusion of the famous Pushkar Fair. The day is celebrated with religious rituals, the lighting of lamps, and the bathing of the sacred Pushkar Lake. The fair attracts pilgrims, tourists, and traders from all over India and abroad.
West Bengal: In West Bengal, Kartika Purnima is observed with the lighting of lamps and special prayers in temples and homes. The day is also associated with the worship of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, who is revered as the god of war and victory.
Kartika Purnima – A Festival of Light, Devotion, and Heritage
Kartika Purnima is a festival that embodies the essence of devotion, spirituality, and cultural heritage. As people across India participate in rituals, light lamps, and offer prayers, the festival serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, purity, and the victory of good over evil. The diverse customs and traditions associated with Kartika Purnima reflect the rich cultural tapestry of India and the deep spiritual significance of this auspicious day.
Whether through the floating of boats in Odisha, the lighting of lamps in Varanasi, or the holy baths in rivers across the country, Kartika Purnima is a day that brings people together in celebration, reflection, and reverence.
More Information about Kartika Purnima in India
Is Kartika Purnima a public holiday in India?
Kartika Purnima is observed as a public holiday in some states, particularly in Odisha. The day is marked by religious rituals, holy baths, and the lighting of lamps.
How is Kartika Purnima celebrated in different parts of India?
Kartika Purnima is celebrated with holy baths, the lighting of lamps, and the observance of rituals like Boita Bandana in Odisha and Deva Diwali in Varanasi. The day is also marked by fairs, cultural programs, and community gatherings.
What is the significance of Kartika Purnima in Indian culture?
Kartika Purnima is significant for its association with Lord Shiva’s victory over Tripurasura and Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Matsya. The day is considered highly auspicious for performing religious rituals, taking holy baths, and seeking divine blessings.
Where are the major Kartika Purnima celebrations held in India?
Major Kartika Purnima celebrations are held in Odisha (Cuttack, Bhubaneswar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Pushkar (Rajasthan), and other parts of India. The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps, holy baths, and cultural events.