Kartik Purnima 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu: Families bathe, fast, and worship on this day to seek blessings, merit, and freedom from sins (Papa Mukti).
• Pilgrims and Householders: Those who take the holy dip in the Ganga and give lamps and charity do so for peace, prosperity, and the wellbeing of the whole family.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Holy Bath (Snan): Taken in the early hours of the morning, in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours), in the Ganga or another sacred river, or at home with Ganga jal added to the bathing water.
• Boita Bandana (Odisha): In Odisha, small paper or banana-stem boats are floated at dawn on the water.
• Main Puja Muhurat: The morning puja and Satyanarayan Katha are done after the bath, through the morning. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Deep Daan: Lamps are lit and floated in the evening, in Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset), at the river, temple, or home.

About the Festival

Kartik Purnima is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India, in which devotees take a holy dip, light lamps, and worship Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Tripurasura)

Once upon a time, three powerful demon brothers, Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyunmali, performed severe penance and received a boon from Lord Brahma. They built three flying cities of gold, silver, and iron, known together as Tripura, and were told that only one arrow could destroy all three cities when they stood in a single line.

Proud of their power, the demons began to trouble the gods and sages. Unable to defeat them, the gods approached Lord Shiva for help and prayed for relief from their suffering.

Lord Shiva agreed, and with the earth as his chariot, the Vedas as his horses, and Mount Meru as his bow, he waited for the three cities to align. When they came into a single line on the full moon of Kartik, he fired one arrow and burned Tripura to ashes. The gods rejoiced, and lit lamps in the heavens, saying: "Glory to Tripurari, the destroyer of Tripura. Let this day be remembered for ever."

Since that day, devotees have bathed in the sacred rivers and lit lamps on Kartik Purnima, celebrating the victory of light over darkness (this day is also known as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi).

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (or Satyanarayan)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Chandan, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: Many clay Diyas with Ghee or oil, and cotton wicks
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash or vessel filled with Ganga jal or fresh water
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Panchamrit, Panjiri or Halwa, fruits, and Tulsi leaves
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, Bel leaves, sacred thread (kalava), and small boats of leaves or paper (for Boita Bandana in Odisha)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, take a holy bath in the Ganga or another river (or at home with a few drops of Ganga jal in the bathing water), and wear clean clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, today on Kartik Purnima I observe this vrat for the purification of my sins and the wellbeing of my family. Grant me the strength to fulfil this vow with pure devotion."
3. Observe the day with a light fast or a simple sattvic diet, according to your family's tradition.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Morning)

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home or the place of worship.
2. Place the pictures or idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean yellow or white cloth.
3. Place a Kalash filled with water and a coconut near the idols, and keep the puja items ready.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of the deities.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat to the idols.
3. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer fresh flowers, Bel leaves to Lord Shiva, and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place Panchamrit, fruits, and sweet dishes before the deities.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Satyanarayan Katha or the story of Tripurasura with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, sprinkle the grains at the deities' feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Deep Daan (Evening Lamps)

1. Perform the Shiva Aarti and Vishnu Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. In the evening, once it is dark, light lamps at the temple, riverbank, Tulsi plant, and around your home. In Odisha, float the small boats with a lamp on the water for Boita Bandana.
3. Offer a final prayer, bowing before the Moon, for the happiness of your family.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Give food, clothes, or money in charity (Daan) to the needy and to Brahmins.
3. Distribute the prasad among family members and break your fast with a simple sattvic meal.