Kartik Purnima 2026 falls on Monday, November 23 — the full moon that closes the holiest month of the year, celebrated as Dev Deepawali: the Diwali of the gods, when the ghats of Kashi are lit with lakhs of diyas and tradition says the devas themselves descend to bathe in the Ganga.
Why This Purnima Stands Apart
It is Tripurari Purnima — the night Shiva destroyed the three cities of the demon Tripurasura, for which the devas lit lamps in celebration. Kartik snan (the month-long ritual bathing) concludes today, and the merit of every deed in Kartik is held to multiply on its Purnima. Guru Nanak Jayati is also observed this day — Prakash Parv for the Sikh tradition.
What Devotees Do
- Deep daan: lamps floated on rivers and lit at temples — the day's signature offering
- Ganga snan or bathing at any sacred water before sunrise
- Satyanarayan katha in many households
- Daan: food, woollens and lamps as winter sets in
A Grand Night for the Moon's Work
As one of the year's most luminous full moons, Kartik Purnima is a classical night for moonlight charging — lay your crystals out as on Sharad Purnima; the method is in the cleansing guide. Chandra-ruled pieces — Moti (pearl) and moonstone — sit closest to the night.
FAQ
What is the Kartik Purnima 2026 date? Monday, November 23, 2026.
Is Dev Deepawali the same as Diwali? No — Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya (the new moon); Dev Deepawali on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days later, as the gods' own festival of lamps.
Can deep daan be done at home? Yes — diyas lit at the doorstep, tulsi and home mandir carry the tradition where a river is far.
Date follows published panchang data; tithi timings vary by city — confirm on a trusted panchang.
