- Kartik full moon
- October or November
- Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
- Guru Nanak Jayanti
Where it began
Kartik is the holiest month for many Vaishnavas, a time of early baths and lamps. Its full moon is the last and most special day.
Legend says Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura on this day, and so it is also called Tripuri Purnima. One story tells that the gods came down to the ghats of Varanasi to celebrate, which gives the name Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the gods.
The day also marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, and Jains hold a great pilgrimage to Palitana on it.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
River baths and lamp offerings in Kartik are praised in the Puranas.
1469
Guru Nanak is born, and his birthday comes to be kept on the Kartik full moon.
Medieval period
Fairs grow on the banks of rivers, such as the cattle fair at Sonepur and the camel fair at Pushkar.
Modern times
Varanasi's Dev Deepawali grows into a grand sight, with lakhs of lamps on the ghats.
Today
Millions bathe in holy rivers, and gurdwaras and Jain temples hold their own big celebrations.
How it is celebrated in different places
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Every step of the ghats glows with clay lamps for Dev Deepawali, and boats fill the river.
Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pilgrims bathe in the sacred lake as the famous fair comes to an end.
Odisha
Boita Bandana sees families float small boats with lamps, remembering sea traders of old.
Punjab and Sikh communities
Gurpurab is marked with prayers, processions and langar for all.
Palitana, Gujarat
Jain pilgrims climb the Shatrunjaya hill as its temples open again after the rains.
Kartik Purnima moments
Kartik Purnima today
Families wake before sunrise for a holy bath, light lamps at home and by the water, and give food to those in need. Evening brings lamps, music and shared meals.
