Vedic calendar
Kartika Purnima 2026
The full moon of Kartika: lamps on the water and the festival of the gods.
Tuesday, 24 November 2026 in New Delhi
Kartika Shukla Purnima: 23:43 on Monday, 23 November 2026 to 20:24 on Tuesday, 24 November 2026 (India time)
| New Delhi | Tue, 24 Nov 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| London | Tue, 24 Nov 2026 | |
| New York | Tue, 24 Nov 2026 | |
| Sydney | Tue, 24 Nov 2026 |
What it is
Kartika Purnima is one of the holiest full moons of the year. People take dips in sacred rivers and float lamps on the water.
Traditional significance
In Varanasi it is Dev Deepawali, when the ghats glow with thousands of lamps. It is also Tripurari Purnima, remembering Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura.
History and culture
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab), the birth of the first Sikh Guru, is usually celebrated on Kartika Purnima. Jains begin pilgrimages to Palitana on this day.
A suggested practice
Light on the water · about 5 minutes
- Fill a bowl with water and float a small candle or petal on it (safely).
- Watch it gently move, and name one blessing of the year.
- Let your breath be as calm as the water.
Affirmation
My light shines gently and steadily.
Reflection question
What has brought light into my life this year?
Continue on Inner Balance by Praseeth
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Astrological and traditional meanings are offered for reflection and cultural understanding. They are symbolic, not scientific predictions, and never a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.