Festivals / Kartik Purnima

Kartik Purnima

Kartika Purnima · Shiva, Vishnu

This year
Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Also known as Dev Diwali, Tripurari Purnima, Guru Nanak Jayanti (same day some years)

Significance

The full moon of Kartika — 'the Diwali of the gods', when the banks of the Ganga are lined with lamps. Sacred to Shiva as Tripurari and a great day for a holy dip.

The story behind Kartik Purnima

On this full moon Shiva destroyed the three flying cities of the demon Tripurasura, and the gods lit Kashi in celebration — Dev Diwali. The month of Kartika is held especially dear to Vishnu, and its Purnima the most meritorious day for bathing, giving, and lamp-offering.

How Kartik Purnima is observed

  • A holy dip at dawn, especially at Varanasi and Pushkar.
  • Offering lamps to the river (Dev Diwali) at dusk.
  • Charity, fasting, and worship of Shiva and Vishnu.
  • Lighting 360 or more wicks in some traditions.

Puja Vidhi & Prayers

Watch the step-by-step puja vidhi, aarti, and prayers for Kartik Purnima.

▶ Watch Kartik Purnima Puja Vidhi & Prayers on YouTube
How the date is fixed: Observed on the Purnima of Kartika.

Kartik Purnima dates (2015–2035)

YearDateDay
201525 November 2015Wednesday
201614 November 2016Monday
20174 November 2017Saturday
201823 November 2018Friday
201912 November 2019Tuesday
202030 November 2020Monday
202119 November 2021Friday
20228 November 2022Tuesday
202327 November 2023Monday
202415 November 2024Friday
20255 November 2025Wednesday
202624 November 2026Tuesday
202714 November 2027Sunday
20281 December 2028Friday
202921 November 2029Wednesday
203010 November 2030Sunday
203128 November 2031Friday
203217 November 2032Wednesday
20336 November 2033Sunday
203425 November 2034Saturday
203515 November 2035Thursday

Dates are computed from precise sidereal (Lahiri) astronomy for a New Delhi reference and may vary by ±1 day for some evening/midnight festivals depending on your location and regional tradition — the timings above adjust to where you are.