Kartik Purnima
In 2024, Kartik Purnima would be observed on November 15.
Kartik Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika is an important auspicious festival observed by the Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
The Significance Of Kartik Purnima
Honoring Radha and Krishna
In the Vaishnavite tradition, Kartik Purnima is dedicated to Radha-Krishna. It is believed that Radha Krishna performed rasleela on this day, which is a divine dance of love and devotion.
Radha Krishna temples across the country, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri and several others, hold sacred observations throughout the month of Kartika. This also involves rasleela performances.
According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, this day also celebrates Krishna’s devotion for Radha, reinforcing their divine connection.
Triumph of Tripurari
Kartik Purnima also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima in Shaivism commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura, the demon. According to this legend, Shiva took the form of Tripurantaka to destroy three celestial cities called as Tripura with just a single arrow. This restored cosmic balance by liberating the deities. This was celebrated with lamps and lights and is often referred to as Deva-Diwali embodies the victory of light over darkness.
The Divine Union of Vishnu and Tulasi
Kartik Purnima celebrates the divine connection between Vishnu and the sacred Tulasi plant, who, according to legend, was once a gopi reincarnated as a princess longing to reunite with him. The day is linked to Prabodhini Ekadashi, ending a four-month period when Vishnu is believed to rest. Celebrations include grand fairs and the Tulasi Vivaha ceremony, symbolizing Tulasi’s marriage to Vishnu. It also marks Vishnu’s return to his heavenly realm after time spent with King Bali and honors his fish avatar, Matsya, as a symbol of protection and preservation.
Honoring Kartikeya and Honoring Ancestors
Kartik Purnima is also observed as the birth of Kartikeya, the deity of war and the eldest son of Shiva who is known for his strength and courage, is observed in southern India.
The day is additionally dedicated to paying respects to deceased ancestors, with offerings and prayers for their blessings and peace.
Kartik Purnima Celebrations Across The Country
Meitei Culture And Manipuri Dance
A very cherished part of the Meitei culture is the classical Manipuri dance which was first performed in 1779, on the full moon of the Kartik month is the history of Manipur Kingdom.
It is also known as jagoi and features circular or elliptical pattern movements. Rasa dance, an art form created by Maharaj Bhagyachandra is also one of the most important part of this tradition. Hinduism and Kartika Purnima
Pushkar Fair
The Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan is popular across the globe, and it starts on Prabodhini Ekadashi and goes on till Kartik Purnima, It is believed that taking a bath in the Pushkar Lake during this time grants salvation. Devotees circle the three Pushkars (sacred sites) and gather in large numbers, making it Asia’s biggest camel fair.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Traditions
The Kartika month is seen as one of the holiest months in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh when oil lamps are lit daily. On the day of Kartika Purnima, a total of 365 lamps in Shiva temples are lit. Many read from the Kartika Purana and observe fasting.
Boita Bandana in Odisha
In Odisha, Kartika Purnima is celebrated with Boita Bandana, where people float small boats made from banana stems to remember ancient maritime trade from Kalinga with Southeast Asian islands like Bali. Throughout Kartika month, Odias observe strict vegetarianism, culminating in this special ritual.
Karthika Deepam in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Karthika Deepam falls on a day associated with the Krittika star. People light rows of lamps, and in Tiruvannamalai, a grand ten-day festival celebrates Karthika Deepam.
Jainism and Kartika Purnima
Kartika Purnima is a holy day for Jains, with thousands making a pilgrimage to the Shatrunjay hills of Palitana to honor their first tirthankara, Adinath, who is believed to have sanctified the hills. After a four-month closure, this day opens the pilgrimage season for Jains.
Sikhism and Gurpurab
Kartika Purnima is also observed by Sikhs as Gurupurab, marking the birthday of Guru Nanak. Some scholars, however, believe his birth was actually in Vaisakh (April) but was changed to Kartik during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to keep Sikhs from attending Hindu fairs.
