Kartik Purnima: Puja Vidhi, Katha & Significance

As the final day of Kartik month arrives, devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva celebrate Kartik Purnima, a day full of light, rituals, and devotion. People take holy baths, perform puja, light lamps, donate to the needy, and spend time in prayer and meditation.

Known as the month of light, Kartik Purnima symbolizes the victory of good over evil, divine protection, and encourages inner reflection, charity, and spreading positivity.

Kartik Purnima Date and Auspicious Timing

As per the Hindu calendar, Kartik Purnima falls on 05th November 2025. Here are all the details you need about the Purnima tithi and the special bath timings.

Event	Date & Time
Purnima Tithi Begins	4 November 2025, 10:36 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends	5 November 2025, 6:48 PM
Moonrise (for special bath)	5 November 2025, 5:11 PM

Note: All dates and times shared here are as per Delhi/NCR local time (IST).

Read More:-Auspicious Time in November 2025

Kartik Purnima Puja Vidhi: A Simple 7-Step Guide

Kartik Purnima is all about cleansing your body and mind, spreading light, and showing devotion to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Let’s dive into the rituals and see how to celebrate this sacred day, step by step.

1. Kartik Snan (Holy Bath): Early in the morning or at moonrise if you’re by a river, take a dip in a holy river. If you’re at home, just add a few drops of Ganga Jal to your bath water. It helps cleanse and refresh both your body and mind.

2. Sankalp (Resolve): Sit facing east, light a lamp, and take a moment to say in your mind: “On this Kartik Purnima, I pray for the well-being of everyone, with love and devotion to Vishnu and Shiva.”

3. Dhyana & Invocation: Chant simple mantras for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, like “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Om Namo Vishnave.” After that, offer some flowers and light incense as a sign of respect.

4. Puja of Vishnu/Shiva: Set up a clean space or altar with a photo or idol of Vishnu or Shiva (or both). Offer water, sandalwood paste, flowers, fruit, and a lit lamp. At dusk (Sandhya), make sure to light the lamp facing the deity as it is an important part of the ritual

5. Deep Daan (Lamp Offering): After your prayers, at twilight or moonrise, light diyas (oil lamps) along the riverbank or on your verandah. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate light winning over darkness.

6. Charity & Bhakti: Give food, ghee, lamps, or new clothes to Brahmins or those in need. Share the Prasad with your family and neighbors, too.

7. Aarti & Closing: Finish with an aarti by singing “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” or any hymn (religious song, mantra, stuti, etc) you like. Then sit quietly for a few minutes in meditation, feeling thankful and connected to the divine.

Read More: Tulsi Vivah Story: The Sacred Tale of Divine Marriage

The Kartik Purnima Vrat Katha

According to the Hindu Scriptures, there was this super-powerful demon named Tarakasur who had three sons: Tarakaksh, Kamalaksh, and Vidyunmali. This guy was causing chaos everywhere, both on Earth and in heaven, so the gods were like, "We need help!" They turned to Lord Shiva to stop him. Shiva listened to their prayers and took down Tarakasur. The gods were, of course, super happy.

But, as expected, his three sons were not having it. They got super mad and wanted revenge. So, they worshiped Brahma (the god of creation) with great devotion. Brahma was like, "Yo, what do you want?" and the sons asked for immortality. Brahma was like, "Nope, can't give you that, but ask for something else."

After thinking for a bit, they came up with this plan: "Create three towns for us, one for each of us, and make them so powerful that they can float through the skies and the earth. Also, make it so that only someone with an insane level of power can destroy all three cities at once."

Brahma, following their wishes, created three cities for them: one made of gold for Tarakaksh, one made of silver for Kamalaksh, and one made of iron for Vidyunmali. The three brothers took control of all three worlds, causing massive fear among the gods, especially Indra (the king of the gods). He ran to Lord Shiva for help.

Shiva was like, "I will help you," and had a divine chariot built using the powers of various gods. The wheels were made from the moon and the sun, the horses were the gods Indra, Varun, Yam, Kuber, and even the bow was from the Himalayas, with the string made from the mighty Sheshnaga. Shiva himself became the arrow, and the tip of the arrow was Agni (the fire god).

Shiva jumped into the chariot, and a massive battle broke out between Shiva and the demon brothers. In one epic moment, all three cities lined up perfectly in one straight line. That's when Lord Shiva took his shot, firing the arrow that destroyed all three cities and killed the demon brothers. From that moment on, Shiva became known as “Tripurari,” the one who destroyed the three cities.

And that’s how Shiva saved the day and got a new nickname!

Hence, observing this vrat with devotion is said to remove sins, attract positive energy, and strengthen one’s connection with the divine, making Kartik Purnima a day of spiritual renewal and joy.

The Grand Significance of Kartik Purnima

Kartik Purnima is all about fresh starts and good vibes. It marks the end of Kartik Maas, the month of light, celebrating Shiva defeating Tripurasura and Vishnu’s Matsya Avatar saving the universe. Devotees take holy baths, light lamps, pray, and do charity. It’s a perfect mix of cleansing the body, spreading positivity, and connecting with the divine energy around us.

Dev Diwali and Regional Celebrations

In Varanasi, Kartik Purnima is celebrated as Dev Diwali, the Diwali of the gods, when thousands of lamps light up the Ganga ghats. In other parts of India, it marks the end of Tulsi Vivah and festivals like Boita Bandana in Odisha, where boats are worshipped. These celebrations mix devotion, local customs, and beautiful lights, making Kartik Purnima a joyful and spiritually meaningful day for everyone.

Fasting (Vrat Niyam) & Charity on Kartik Purnima

Beyond prayers and rituals, Kartik Purnima is a perfect time to practice self-discipline and generosity, filling your day with spiritual energy and kindness.

• Many observe a full or partial fast, avoiding meat, garlic, onions, and alcohol.

• Eat simple vegetarian meals (Satvik Bhojan / falaahar) once or twice during the day.

• Donate ghee, oil for lamps, new clothes, food, or funds to temples or brahmins.
  Acts of charity today uplift the giver’s spirit and bring spiritual benefits.

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Final Thoughts

Kartik Purnima combines faith, mythology, rituals, and culture into a single, spiritually rich day. By following simple steps, participating in regional traditions, and practicing fasting and charity, devotees can experience a deep sense of fulfillment and divine connection. The light of Kartik Purnima guides us toward purity, devotion, and lasting happiness.