Kartik Purnima is a cherished festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains with great devotion. It falls on the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu lunar calendar, typically in November. In 2025, it will be observed on Wednesday, November 5. Known as Tripuri Purnima, Dev Deepawali, or Guru Nanak Jayanti, this day blends spirituality, culture, and community joy. Let’s dive into its significance, rituals, and how it’s celebrated across India.
Why Kartik Purnima Matters
Kartik Purnima holds deep meaning for different communities, uniting them through shared values of faith and goodness. Here’s why it’s special:
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Hindu Belief: Called Tripuri Purnima, it celebrates Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura, who ruled three mighty cities. Shiva’s triumph symbolizes good defeating evil. It also marks Lord Vishnu’s first incarnation as Matsya (fish), saving the world from a great flood.
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Vaishnava Tradition: For Vaishnavas, it wraps up Tulsi Vivah, the symbolic marriage of the Tulsi plant to Lord Shaligram (Vishnu). It also ends the Bhishma Panchaka, a five-day fast for Lord Vishnu.
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Sikh Celebration: The day coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti, honoring the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikhism’s founder. Sikhs celebrate with prayers, hymns, and communal meals.
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Jain Importance: Jains mark Lord Mahavira’s final sermon, after which his teachings spread widely. Many visit sacred sites like Palitana.
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Spiritual Power: Bathing in holy rivers or lighting diyas on this day is believed to equal the merit of 100 Ashvamedha Yagnas (Vedic rituals). The sun and moon’s alignment boosts its spiritual energy.
When Kartik Purnima aligns with the Krittika Nakshatra, it’s called Maha Kartik, making it even more sacred. It also concludes Chaturmas, a four-month period when Lord Vishnu is said to rest, awakening on Prabodhani Ekadashi.
Kartik Purnima 2025: Date and Timing
Kartik Purnima falls on the full moon of the Kartik month. Here are the details for 2025:
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Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
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Purnima Tithi Starts: 6:22 PM on November 4, 2025
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Purnima Tithi Ends: 6:52 PM on November 5, 2025
Timing matters for rituals like the holy dip, which is most powerful during the Purnima Tithi.
Rituals of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is filled with meaningful rituals that bring devotees closer to their faith. Here’s what people do:
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Holy Bath: Taking a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari is believed to wash away sins. Scriptures say the gods reside in these waters on this day.
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Lighting Diyas: Homes, temples, and riverbanks glow with oil lamps, symbolizing light over darkness. In Varanasi, this is celebrated as Dev Deepawali.
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Fasting and Giving: Many fast until evening prayers and donate food, clothes, or money to the needy, earning spiritual merit.
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Tulsi Vivah: Vaishnavas perform the ceremonial wedding of the Tulsi plant to Lord Shaligram, decorating the plant with love and prayers.
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Pilgrimages: Jains trek to Palitana for the Shatrunjaya Yatra, while Hindus visit holy sites like Varanasi, Haridwar, or Pushkar.
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Sikh Practices: Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti with early morning prayers, hymns like Asa-di-Var, and Langar, a shared meal promoting equality.
These rituals vary by region but share a focus on devotion and purification.
How India Celebrates Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima lights up India with unique traditions in every region:
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Odisha: Boita Bandana sees people float tiny boats made of banana stems and fabric on rivers, recalling Odisha’s ancient seafaring days.
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Tamil Nadu: Known as Karthikai Deepam, homes and temples shine with rows of oil lamps. In Tiruvannamalai, a huge lamp is lit on Arunachala Hill during a ten-day festival.
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Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Called Karthika Maasalu, the festival starts at Deepawali. Devotees light lamps with 365 wicks in homes and Shiva temples.
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Varanasi: Dev Deepawali transforms the Ganges ghats with thousands of diyas, creating a breathtaking sight 15 days after Diwali.
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Gujarat: Jains make the Shatrunjaya Yatra to Palitana’s sacred hill, home to countless temples, for blessings.
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Punjab and Sikh Communities: Guru Nanak Jayanti brings prayers, hymns, and Langar at Gurudwaras, spreading unity and love.
Each region adds its own flavor, making Kartik Purnima a truly national celebration.
Bank and Public Holidays on Kartik Purnima 2025
Kartik Purnima, also Guru Nanak Jayanti, is a bank and public holiday in several states on November 5, 2025:
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Arunachal Pradesh
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Chhattisgarh
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Chandigarh
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Himachal Pradesh
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Jharkhand
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Madhya Pradesh
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Maharashtra
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Mizoram
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Nagaland
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New Delhi
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Odisha
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Rajasthan
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Telangana
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Uttar Pradesh
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Uttarakhand
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West Bengal
Per the Reserve Bank of India, banks close under the Negotiable Instruments Act, but online banking and ATMs stay active.
Why Kartik Purnima is Unique
Kartik Purnima stands out for its blend of faith, culture, and unity. It brings together Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in a celebration of light and goodness. From glowing diyas in Varanasi to floating boats in Odisha and hymns in Gurudwaras, the festival radiates joy and spirituality across India.
Conclusion
Kartik Purnima 2025, on November 5, is a vibrant festival of faith and togetherness. Whether you’re taking a holy dip, lighting diyas, or joining Guru Nanak Jayanti prayers, this day offers a chance to connect with India’s rich traditions. Celebrate its rituals and regional festivities to experience its spiritual and cultural magic.
