Important information

Kartik Maas 2024
Kartik Maas Start on Friday, 18 October 2024.
Kartik Maas Ends on Friday, 15 November 2024.

Kartik is one of the lunar months in the Hindu calendar, and it holds significant religious and cultural importance for Hindus. This month typically falls between October and November in the Gregorian calendar. Kartik is the eighth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and its name is derived from the Nakshatra (lunar mansion) "Krittika."

Key Significance and Observances in Kartik:

Diwali, the Festival of Lights: Kartik is synonymous with Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The lighting of lamps and candles symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance and the dispelling of negativity from our lives.
Auspicious Beginnings: Kartik is considered an auspicious month to begin new ventures, whether it's starting a business, a new job, or even spiritual endeavors. The belief is that any new initiative started during Kartik is blessed and likely to prosper.
Tulsi Vivah: Kartik also hosts the Tulsi Vivah ceremony, where the holy basil plant (Tulsi) is symbolically married to Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu. This marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture, and it is believed to bring blessings to married couples.
Kartik Snan (Holy Bathing): Many Hindus take holy baths in sacred rivers, especially during the early morning hours, to purify themselves and seek spiritual growth. Bathing in the Ganges and other holy rivers during Kartik is believed to wash away sins and bring blessings.
Religious Fasts (Vratas): Throughout Kartik, devotees observe various vratas or fasts dedicated to specific deities. Fasting during this month is a way to seek divine blessings, practice self-discipline, and deepen one's spiritual connection.
Goverdhan Puja: This festival is celebrated on the day following Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rains. Devotees create small hillocks from cow dung and worship them as representations of Govardhan Hill.
Akhanda Deepa (Continuous Lamp): Lighting a lamp that burns continuously throughout Kartik symbolizes the light of divinity and knowledge. It is believed to bring blessings and positive energy into the home.
Lunar Significance: The Kartik month is made more special by its association with the full moon. The full moon is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism, and taking a holy bath during this period is believed to magnify the spiritual benefits.
Observance of Deep Spiritual Practices: Many devotees increase their spiritual practices during Kartik, such as meditation, prayers, and reading of sacred texts. The month offers an opportunity to strengthen one's spiritual connection and seek divine favor.
Connection with Ancestors: Hindus often perform rituals during Kartik to honor and seek blessings for their ancestors. These rituals help ancestors find peace in the afterlife.

Kartik is considered an auspicious month for spiritual practices, charitable deeds, and devotion to the divine. It is a time when many people increase their acts of worship, meditation, and charity, seeking spiritual growth and blessings from the deities.