In India, the auspicious festival Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik (or Kartika) by the Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
In the Vaishnavite tradition, Kartik Purnima marks the ‘Rasleela’ celebration by Radha and Krishna, the divine dance of love and devotion. In Shaivism, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon, Tripurasura. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva became ‘Tripurantaka’ to destroy 3 celestial cities named Tripura using a single arrow, which ultimately restored the cosmic balance by liberating the deities. Kartik Purnima is celebration of light, often referred to as ‘Deva-Diwali’ (light festival of Gods) to signify triumph of light over darkness. So, Kartik Purnima is celebrated across communities attached to different significance to it. In this article, we will explore how Kartik Purnima is celebrated across India.
Popularly called ‘Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav’ or ‘Guru Nanak Jayanti’, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru. Throughout Punjab or Sikh-dominated regions, the celebrations begin couple of days earlier with the non-stop reading of the holy book ‘Guru Granth Sahib’. One day before to the main celebration, people conduct a religious procession with the holy book kept in a palanquin. The procession is headed by 5 armed guards with the flag ‘Nishan Sahib’. Devotees visit the throng Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple early in the morning on the day of the Kartik Purnima. They engage themselves in prayers, singing of hymns, listening to preachers while volunteering in various other charitable activities. In the afternoon, devotees consume and distribute special lunch/ Langar. Illuminated in the night, the view of Golden Temple is simply mesmerizing.
Credit - Insta/@chalo_odisha
In Odisha, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as ‘Bali Yatra’, linked with rich maritime history. In the ancient times, Kalinga (ancient name of Odisha) had a flourishing maritime trade with Bali and associated states. As the journey was full of danger, the men used to set off on their journey after monsoon season, while women in home would pray for their safety. The women used to sanctify the boat with different rituals. On the Kartik Purnima, women gather at river banks and offer their prayers. Cuttack is one of the best places to observe this festival, where thousands of people gather on the banks of the Mahanadi River and perform the rituals.
People in two neighbouring states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana consider Kartika month as one of the holiest months. On the day of Kartika Purnima, 365 lamps are lit in Lord Shiva’s temples.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is called Karthika Deepam, when people light rows of lamps. In Tiruvannamalai city of Chennai, a grand 10-day festival is observed.
Jains observe Kartik Purnima festival by visiting Palitana, a famous pilgrimage centre. The devotees gather at the foothills of Shatrunjay hills of Palitana taluka to begin the auspicious journey. The whole journey of 216 km over extremely rough terrain is known as Shri Shantrunjay Teerth Yatra, which is completed by barefoot. After reaching the top of the hill, the devotees worship at the Lord Adinath temple.
Kartik Purnima is celebrated as Dev Deepawali or light festival of Gods. The Ghats of Varanasi are lit up with numerous oil lamps or Diyas. Witness the magnificent sights by visiting Reeva Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat, Kedar Ghat, and Panch Ganga Ghat.
Credit - Insta/@indiahiddengems
One of the most crucial rituals followed by devotees on Kartik Purnima is taking holy bath in the sacred rivers like Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari. This is also known as ‘Kartik Snan’. It is believed to be cleanse the sins and bring closer to salvation or Moksha. ‘Kartik Snan’ is taken during auspicious Bramha Muhurta. The timing of this auspicious moment is 04:40 AM to 05:30 AM on November 15.
May this Kartik Poornima bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to you!
