Kartika Purnima is the full moon day of the Kartika month, considered one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. It marks the culmination of the month-long Kartika Vrat, during which devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the Sun God with special fervor. The day is also known as Tripuri Purnima, as it commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura by destroying the three cities of gold, silver, and iron with a single arrow.
The Kartika month itself is regarded as highly auspicious for spiritual practices, charity, and pilgrimage. Bathing in holy rivers, especially the Ganges, before sunrise on Kartika Purnima is believed to wash away sins and bestow liberation. Temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva are beautifully illuminated, and the lighting of lamps (Deepadan) is a central ritual. In many regions, the entire month is spent in devotional singing, fasting, and acts of kindness.
Kartika Purnima also holds great importance in Jainism and Sikhism. For Jains, it is associated with Lord Adinatha and the lighting of lamps. For Sikhs, it marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in some traditions, though Gurpurab is usually observed on Kartik Purnima according to the Nanakshahi calendar in November. The day thus unites multiple faiths in celebration of light, knowledge, and divine grace.
