Karthika Pournami, also known as Kartik Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival that falls on the full moon day (Pournami) in the month of Karthika, which is usually in November. It holds special importance in Hinduism, and the celebration varies across different regions of India.
Here are some aspects of the festival:
- Spiritual Significance: Karthika Pournami is considered auspicious and holds great spiritual significance. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura, and devotees observe various rituals to seek blessings and express their devotion.
- Rituals and Observances:
- Lighting Lamps: One of the main rituals of Karthika Pournami is the lighting of lamps or diyas. Devotees light lamps in and around their homes and temples. It is believed that the light symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance.
- Taking a Holy Dip: Many people take a ritualistic bath in rivers, especially in places like Varanasi, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and Rameswaram. The sacred rivers are crowded with devotees during this time.
- Prayers and Pujas: Devotees perform special prayers and pujas, especially to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. They visit temples and participate in religious ceremonies.
- Charity and Donations: It is a common practice to engage in acts of charity and donate to the less fortunate on this day.
- Tulsi Plant Worship: Worshiping the Tulsi plant (holy basil) is also a part of the Karthika Pournami celebrations. Lighting a lamp near the Tulsi plant is considered auspicious.
- Special Celebrations in Different Regions:
- In South India, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the Karthika Deepam festival is celebrated, where a huge flame is lit on a hill, known as the Arunachala Hill in Thiruvannamalai.
- In Odisha, the Kartika Purnima is associated with the worship of the Tulsi plant and is celebrated as a part of the Hindu month-long Kartika Brata.
- In the state of Gujarat, the festival is celebrated as Dev Diwali, and the lighting of lamps is a major part of the festivities.
Karthika Pournami is a time for spiritual reflection, religious observances, and community celebrations. The specific customs and traditions can vary based on regional practices and cultural differences.
