Kartik Purnima, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with great reverence. This full moon day, or Purnima, occurs in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik and is highly significant for religious observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as well as the celebration of Dev Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti. In 2024, Kartik Purnima falls on November 15.
Date and Time of Kartik Purnima 2024
Purnima Tithi Begins: November 15, 2024 – 6:19 AM
Purnima Tithi Ends: November 16, 2024 – 2:58 AM
Moonrise: November 15, 2024 – 4:51 PM
Significance of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is one of the most sacred days to worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. As the full moon shines brightly, it is believed to radiate divine energy, and devotees offer prayers to the Moon God, seeking blessings through rituals such as Arghya (offering water) and distributing sweets.
This day is celebrated for multiple reasons:
1. Dev Diwali: Known as the “Diwali of the Gods,” this festival is observed in Varanasi to honor Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. The ghats of the Ganga are illuminated with thousands of diyas, and devotees gather to perform the ritual of deep daan (offering lamps).
2. Guru Nanak Jayanti: Kartik Purnima also marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Devotees visit Gurudwaras, participate in langar (community meal service), and recite Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.
3. Kartik Snan: Pilgrims take a holy dip in rivers, especially the Ganga, as a means of spiritual purification. It is believed that bathing on Kartik Purnima cleanses one of sins and fosters peace of mind.
Puja Rituals for Kartik Purnima 2024
1. Begin the day by taking a bath early in the morning, ideally in a holy river or by adding a few drops of Gangajal (Ganges water) to the bath.
2. Clean the home and the prayer room.
3. Light an oil lamp with desi ghee in front of Lord Vishnu’s idol.
4. Observe the Satyanarayan Vrat (a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu), which can be performed any time on this day.
5. Offer Tulsi Patra (Tulsi leaves) to Lord Vishnu, believed to bring prosperity.
6. Prepare Panchamrit and Panjeeri as offerings to the deities.
7. Recite the Satyanarayan Katha, followed by performing aarti.
8. In the evening, offer Arghya to the Moon God along with sweets as prasad.
9. After the puja, share prasad with family members and break the fast with sattvik (pure) food.
Mantras for Kartik Purnima
Om Namo Narayanaye
Om Chandraaye Namah
Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye
Kartik Purnima is a day of spiritual rejuvenation, celebrated with devotion and rituals that bring blessings and spiritual growth.