Karthika Masam & Karthika Pournami (కార్తీక మాసం & కార్తీక పూర్ణిమ)

Date / Period: Nov 10 – Dec 9, 2026

The Month of Divine Radiance, Deeparadhana, Vana Bhojanams & Shiva-Vishnu Unity

Cultural Significance

Karthika Masam is regarded as the most spiritually effulgent month in the Hindu calendar, sanctified equally by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (Harihara Abheda). Every single day of Karthika Masam holds immense merit for sacred baths (Nadi Snanam), twilight oil lamp illumination (Deeparadhana), and reading the sacred Karthika Puranam. Auspicious milestones during this month include Nagula Chavithi, Ksheerabdi Dwadashi (Chilku Dwadashi), and Karthika Pournami with Jwala Thoranam.

How It Is Celebrated

Devotees light daily earthen lamps at dawn and dusk before the sacred Tulasi plant (Tulasi Kota). On Ksheerabdi Dwadashi, the divine union of Tulasi Devi and Lord Sri Maha Vishnu is worshipped. On Karthika Pournami, devotees light lamps made of gooseberries (Usiri Deepam) or sacred 365 wicks soaked in pure cow ghee. Local associations also host Vana Bhojanams (sacred picnics in community parks under Amla trees), blending devotional singing with community camaraderie.

Fasting schedules, deepam counts, and Vana Bhojanam dates vary across local regional associations and temple bodies.