Kartik Poornima, also known as Tripuri Poornima or Deva-Diwali, is prominent in the Indian lunar calendar. This sacred festival is observed on the full moon day or the fifteenth lunar day (Poornima) of Kartik (October-November), marking the culmination of the holy month of Kartik, one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar.
Kartik Poornima is renowned for its multifaceted significance, embodying a vibrant amalgamation of mythology, spirituality, and cultural celebration. This festival serves as a rich symbol of India’s philosophical profundity and cultural richness.

A remarkable aspect of Kartik Poornima is its link to the Hindu triumvirate: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In his first incarnation as a fish (Matsya), it is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared on this day. Lord Shiva, too, is worshipped as he vanquished the demon Tripurasura on this day, leading to the festival’s alternative name, Tripuri Poornima. It is also considered the birthday of Lord Vrinda, the personification of the sacred Tulsi plant, and Lord Kartikeya, the god of war.

Kartik Poornima holds special significance in Jainism, marking the day when the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva, broke his long fast by consuming sugarcane juice. In Sikhism, the day marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, celebrated as Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Ritualistic practices during Kartik Poornima involve early morning baths in sacred rivers, which are considered especially meritorious. Devotees believe such a holy dip absolves one’s sins and bestows divine blessings. Many devotees also perform ‘Satyanarayan Katha’ and participate in ‘Bhishma Panchak Vrat,’ a fast that spans the last five days of the Kartik month.

The festival of Kartik Poornima is intricately tied to the cultural fabric of India. The day marks the beginning of several grand fairs and cultural events. The most notable is the Pushkar Fair of Rajasthan, one of the world’s largest camel fairs. The fair is a spectacle of cultural and commercial exchanges, including camel trading, handicraft sales, folk performances, and competitions. In Varanasi, the day is celebrated as Dev Deepawali or ‘Diwali of the Gods,’ with millions of diyas or earthen lamps lit on the ghats of the River Ganges, creating a breathtaking view.
Kartik Poornima also marks the commencement of the ritual of Bali Daan, an offering made to ancestors. He is considered the most auspicious day for the Chhath Puja, a major festival dedicated to the Sun God.

Kartik Poornima is a beacon of India’s age-old traditions, underscoring the country’s deep-rooted spirituality, diverse cultural practices, and profound reverence for nature. The festival marks a time for devotion, introspection, and celebration. It reinforces the values of faith, charity, and goodwill, reminding us of our spiritual roots and interconnectedness with the cosmos. It’s a testament to the wisdom of ancient traditions and the timelessness of spiritual pursuits.