Kartik Purnima is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with great fervor across India and in many other parts of the world. This full moon day falls on the fifteenth day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, usually in the months of October or November. In 2023, Kartik Purnima is expected to be observed on November 9th.
Significance of Kartik Purnima:
Kartik Purnima holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is associated with various legends and rituals. It is believed that taking a holy dip in rivers, especially the Ganges, on this day can wash away one’s sins and bring ultimate salvation. Devotees also engage in charitable activities, perform pujas, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and the Moon God on this auspicious day.
Rituals and Celebrations:
- Holy Dip in Rivers: Devotees wake up early and take a holy dip in rivers before sunrise. The Ganges, Yamuna, and other sacred rivers are thronged by pilgrims on this day.
- Offerings and Prayers: Special prayers and rituals are performed in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Devotees offer flowers, incense, and sweets to seek their blessings.
- Vrat and Fasting: Many people observe a day-long fast on Kartik Purnima as a mark of devotion. Some devotees also observe a Kaartik Snan Vrat for the entire month of Kartik.
- Lighting Lamps: Lighting diyas (earthen lamps) is considered auspicious on this day. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
- Donating: Giving alms to the poor and needy is believed to be highly meritorious on Kartik Purnima. Donations of food, clothes, and money are common practices.
Kartik Purnima in Different Regions:
- North India: In North India, Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi, where the ghats are lit up with thousands of lamps to welcome the Gods who are believed to descend on earth on this day.
- Odisha: In Odisha, Kartik Purnima is known as Boita Bandana, where people commemorate the ancient maritime history by floating tiny boats made of cork and colored paper in rivers and lakes.
- South India: In South India, Kartik Purnima marks the end of the Tulsi Vivah ceremony, where the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (considered sacred) with Lord Vishnu is performed.
FAQs about Kartik Purnima:
- Why is Kartik Purnima important?
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Kartik Purnima is considered highly auspicious as it is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual upliftment.
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Can women observe Vrat on Kartik Purnima?
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Yes, women can observe the fast and rituals of Kartik Purnima with devotion and faith.
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What is the significance of lighting lamps?
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Lighting lamps symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is believed to bring positivity and prosperity.
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Is charity important on Kartik Purnima?
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Yes, donating to the less fortunate is considered virtuous on Kartik Purnima and is believed to bring blessings.
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How is Kartik Purnima celebrated in Varanasi?
- Devotees celebrate Dev Deepawali in Varanasi by lighting thousands of lamps on the ghats and performing special rituals.
Kartik Purnima is not just a festival but a spiritual journey for many devotees seeking divine blessings and inner peace. The observance of this sacred day with devotion and sincerity is believed to bring fulfillment and prosperity to one’s life.