Have you ever gazed at the full moon and felt a sense of divine calmness? In Hindu tradition, certain full moon days are not just celestial events but powerful spiritual occasions. One such day is Kartik Purnima, a festival deeply woven into Indian culture, mythology, and rituals. It marks the end of the holy month of Kartik, a month dedicated to devotion, purity, and spiritual upliftment.
If you’re wondering when is Kartik Purnima in 2025, the sacred day falls on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. According to the Hindu calendar, the auspicious timing begins at 10:36 PM on November 4 and continues until 6:48 PM on November 5. Devotees across India will observe fasts, take holy dips, and perform pujas during this spiritually charged period.
In this blog, we’ll explore the exact date and muhurat of Kartik Purnima 2025, its mythological importance, rituals, and why it continues to hold deep relevance in today’s world.
When is Kartik Purnima in 2025?
The first and most common question devotees ask is: when is Kartik Purnima in 2025?
- Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Auspicious Timing (Tithi): Begins at 10:36 PM on November 4, 2025
- Ends: 6:48 PM on November 5, 2025
This makes November 5, 2025, the primary day for rituals, fasting, and religious ceremonies. Falling on the full moon (Purnima) of the Kartik month, this day is considered one of the holiest occasions of the year.
For devotees, knowing when is Kartik Purnima in 2025 is essential to prepare for the elaborate rituals that include taking a dip in sacred rivers, offering lamps to deities, and worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
The Significance of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is often called the “Festival of Lights of the Gods”, as it holds equal importance to Diwali in terms of spiritual power. It is believed that on this day:
- Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya (fish incarnation) to save the world from destruction.
- It is the birth anniversary of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- It is associated with the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura, hence the day is also called Tripuri Purnima.
Thus, Kartik Purnima is not just about rituals but a day of cosmic energy, where worship, charity, and devotion bring immense blessings.
Mythological Legends of Kartik Purnima
1. The Legend of Matsya Avatar
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu appeared as Matsya (a fish) to save humanity and the Vedas from a great flood. This avatar is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, symbolizing divine protection and preservation of wisdom.
2. Tripuri Purnima – The Victory of Shiva
Another important legend says that Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Tripurasura on Kartik Purnima. It signifies the ultimate win of dharma over adharma. Temples dedicated to Shiva organize grand prayers and light lamps on this day.
3. Birth of Lord Kartikeya
It is also believed that Lord Kartikeya, the god of war and son of Shiva and Parvati, was born on this auspicious day. In many parts of India, Kartikeya is worshipped with grand rituals.
Rituals and Traditions of Kartik Purnima 2025
Knowing when is Kartik Purnima in 2025 helps devotees prepare in advance for the following key rituals:
1. Holy Bath (Snan)
Devotees wake up early and take a dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari. This ritual is believed to wash away sins and purify the soul.
2. Deep Daan (Offering of Lamps)
Lighting lamps (diyas) on rivers, temples, and homes is one of the most prominent traditions. The glowing lamps symbolize light over darkness, purity over sin, and devotion over ignorance.
3. Vishnu and Shiva Puja
Special prayers are offered to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Devotees chant mantras, perform aarti, and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits.
4. Charity and Donations
Acts of daan (charity) are considered highly auspicious. Donating food, clothes, and money to the needy on Kartik Purnima brings endless blessings.
5. Annakut Utsav and Fairs
In many temples, grand feasts called Annakut are prepared and distributed to devotees. Religious fairs and yatras also take place across India.
Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali
One of the most spectacular celebrations associated with Kartik Purnima is Dev Deepawali, celebrated especially in Varanasi. On this night, the ghats of the Ganga are lit with millions of diyas, creating a breathtaking sight. Devotees believe that gods descend to the Earth to bathe in the holy Ganga on this day.
If you are marking your calendar for when is Kartik Purnima in 2025, don’t miss this grand spectacle on November 5, 2025, particularly in Kashi (Varanasi).
Regional Celebrations of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is celebrated with unique traditions across India:
- North India: Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, fairs in Haridwar, and grand pujas in temples.
- Odisha: Kartik Purnima marks the Boita Bandana festival, where people float miniature boats in water to commemorate ancient sea voyages.
- South India: Temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu organize elaborate rituals. Kartikeya is especially worshipped in Tamil Nadu.
- Western India: Temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan celebrate with fairs, food offerings, and cultural festivities.
Spiritual Importance of Kartik Purnima
The essence of Kartik Purnima lies in its spiritual depth:
- A day of moksha (liberation) for those who fast and perform puja.
- A reminder of the balance between devotion, charity, and celebration.
- Strengthening family and social bonds through collective worship.
No wonder, knowing when is Kartik Purnima in 2025 is vital for those who wish to align themselves with divine cosmic energy.
Preparing for Kartik Purnima 2025
As you mark November 5, 2025 in your calendars, here’s how you can prepare:
- Arrange puja items: diyas, ghee, incense, flowers, fruits, and sweets.
- Plan for charity in advance to give with devotion.
- If possible, visit holy sites like Varanasi, Haridwar, or Rameswaram for a sacred dip.
- Involve your family in lighting lamps and performing prayers together.
Lessons from Kartik Purnima
The festival teaches timeless lessons:
- Light over Darkness: Just as diyas remove darkness, devotion removes ignorance.
- Victory of Good over Evil: Lord Shiva’s triumph reminds us that dharma always wins.
- Faith and Devotion: Lord Vishnu’s Matsya Avatar teaches us divine protection comes with faith.
So, when is Kartik Purnima in 2025? The auspicious day will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, with the Purnima Tithi starting at 10:36 PM on November 4 and ending at 6:48 PM on November 5.
This day is not just a celestial alignment but a divine opportunity to embrace purity, devotion, and blessings. Whether you take a holy dip, light diyas, or perform puja at home, Kartik Purnima is a reminder of the eternal bond between the divine and the devotee.
Mark your calendars, prepare with devotion, and let the light of Kartik Purnima 2025 illuminate your life with peace, prosperity, and spiritual bliss.
FAQs
Q1. When is Kartik Purnima in 2025?
Kartik Purnima in 2025 will be observed on Wednesday, November 5, with the Purnima Tithi lasting from November 4, 10:36 PM to November 5, 6:48 PM.
Q2. Why is Kartik Purnima important?
It marks the Matsya Avatar of Vishnu, the victory of Shiva over Tripurasura, and the birth of Kartikeya. It is also a day of charity and devotion.
Q3. How is Kartik Purnima celebrated?
Devotees take holy dips, light lamps, worship Lord Vishnu and Shiva, donate to the needy, and participate in grand temple festivities.
Q4. What is Dev Deepawali and how is it related to Kartik Purnima?
Dev Deepawali, celebrated in Varanasi, is the festival of lights for the gods, observed on Kartik Purnima when millions of diyas are lit on the ghats.
Q5. Is Kartik Purnima celebrated differently in regions of India?
Yes, in Odisha it’s Boita Bandana, in North India it’s linked with Dev Deepawali, while in Tamil Nadu it honors Kartikeya.
