Quick answer: Kartik Purnima 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Purnima tithi begins at about 11:42 PM on 23 November and ends at about 8:23 PM on 24 November (New Delhi time). Dev Deepawali, the "Diwali of the gods" celebrated on the ghats of Varanasi, is observed on the same day, as are Tripurari Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti. The holy dip (snan) is taken at dawn on 24 November and lamps are offered (deep daan) in the evening.
Kartik Purnima closes the holy month of Kartik, which began after Sharad Purnima and included Diwali, Dev Uthani Ekadashi and Tulsi Vivah. It is considered one of the most auspicious full moons of the year.
Kartik Purnima 2026: date and timings
| Observance | Date / time (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Purnima tithi begins | About 11:42 PM, Monday 23 November 2026 |
| Purnima tithi ends | About 8:23 PM, Tuesday 24 November 2026 |
| Kartik snan (holy dip) | Dawn, 24 November |
| Dev Deepawali and deep daan | Evening, 24 November |
| Vaikuntha Chaturdashi | 23 November |
Timings differ slightly by city. Check your local panchang for sunrise and moonrise where you live.
Why Kartik Purnima is special
Tripurari Purnima
On this day Lord Shiva is believed to have destroyed the three cities of the demon Tripurasura with a single arrow, earning the name Tripurari. The gods celebrated by lighting lamps, which is why the day is called Dev Deepawali.
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
Every ghat of Kashi is lit with lakhs of diyas on Kartik Purnima evening. Devotees believe the gods themselves descend to bathe in the Ganga on this night. If you are visiting, read our spiritual travel guides.
Matsya avatar and Guru Nanak Jayanti
Kartik Purnima is also associated with Lord Vishnu's Matsya (fish) avatar, and Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth anniversary (Gurpurab) on this full moon.
End of Kartik snan and Bhishma Panchak
The month-long Kartik snan and the five-day Bhishma Panchak vrat both conclude on this day. In many homes, Tulsi Vivah celebrations that began on Dev Uthani Ekadashi also end on Purnima.
How to observe Kartik Purnima at home
- Snan at dawn: bathe in a holy river if you can. At home, add a few drops of Ganga jal to your bath water.
- Worship Shiva and Vishnu: offer water, bel patra and white flowers to Shiva; offer Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers to Vishnu.
- Chant: "Om Namah Shivaya" for Tripurari and "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" for Vishnu. A Tulsi mala is traditional for Vishnu mantras and a Rudraksha or Chandan mala for Shiva mantras.
- Deep daan in the evening: light diyas at a river bank, temple, Tulsi plant, main door and kitchen. Floating lamps on water is a beautiful tradition where it is permitted.
- Daan: donate food, clothes, lamps or sesame. Charity on Kartik Purnima is believed to bring many times the usual merit.
- Satyanarayan katha: many families perform it on this Purnima.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dev Deepawali on the same day as Kartik Purnima in 2026?
Yes. Both are on Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
Can I start wearing Rudraksha on Kartik Purnima?
Yes. As the day of Tripurari Shiva, Kartik Purnima is considered an auspicious day to begin wearing a Rudraksha. Follow our step-by-step wearing guide.
Should I fast on Kartik Purnima?
Many devotees keep a fast and break it after evening puja or moonrise. It is optional; follow your family tradition.
Dates and timings are based on published panchangs for New Delhi and may vary by location. Religious meanings described reflect traditional beliefs.
Explore japa malas and certified Rudraksha for your Kartik puja.