Kartika Purnima: The Diwali of the Gods

Among the many sacred days that mark the Hindu calendar, Kartik Purnima shines with a special light. Celebrated on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), this festival is considered one of the most auspicious times of the year for spiritual growth, inner purification, and divine connection.

On this date, millions of people gather at the ghats of sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, to perform ritual baths at dawn and offer floating lamps (deepdaan) at night. More than an external celebration, Kartik Purnima represents an opportunity for spiritual rebirth, leaving negative karma behind, and walking with light toward the divine.

In this special guide, you'll discover everything you need to know to experience it, its history and spiritual significance, the exact dates and times, how it's celebrated in Varanasi, the best places to enjoy it, and practical tips.

What is Kartik Purnima? Origin and meaning

Kartik Purnima marks the culmination of the month of Kartik, which is considered by many Hindu scriptures to be the holiest month of the year. It is the night of the full moon (Purnima) that closes a season of devotion that began with Sharad Purnima, continuing through Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Govardhan Puja. What is Nag Panchami and why is it celebrated?

Spiritual meaning

This day represents:

• The illumination of the soul, just as the full moon symbolizes total clarity.
• The culmination of spiritual practices performed throughout the month.
• A propitious moment for surrender, forgiveness, charity and karmic purification.
• According to the Puranas, the merits earned on Kartik Purnima by performing acts of devotion, charity, and ritual baths are multiplied a thousandfold.

The Sacred Bath: Karmic Cleansing Ritual

One of the most important practices during Kartik Purnima is the Snan, or ritual dawn bath in a sacred river. For Hindus, water is more than a physical element: it is a living manifestation of the divine.

Where does it take place?

Baths are carried out especially in:

• The Ganges, in places like Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh or Prayagraj.
• Other sacred rivers: Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri and Sarasvati.
• Temple ponds or even at home with holy water (Gangajal).
• People usually get up before dawn, perform prayers and enter the water with mantras.

Symbolism of the Snan

• Purification of body, mind and soul.
• Symbolic dissolution of the ego.
• Preparing to receive cosmic blessings.
• Eliminate negative impressions from the subconscious (samskaras).
• Many believe that bathing on this day is equivalent to performing tapasya (spiritual austerities) throughout the year.

Deepdaan: The Offering of Light to the River

At nightfall, devotees perform the ritual known as Deepdaan, a moving ceremony that involves offering lit oil lamps to the river, placed on banana leaves or floating plates.

Preparation of Deepdaan

• Diyas (small clay lamps) are prepared with oil or ghee (clarified butter).
• A wick made of cotton is placed and lit with devotion.
• A mantra is recited or a personal prayer is made.
• The lamp is then placed in the river so that it floats away.

Spiritual meaning

• Light symbolizes the awakened and conscious soul.
• By offering it to the water, the devotee surrenders his ego and surrenders to the divine flow.
• It represents the purification of dark emotions and the beginning of a new internal stage.
• It is also an offering of gratitude to the ancestors and the natural elements.
• The visual effect of hundreds of diyas floating in the water in total silence is deeply transformative and a meditation in motion.

Deities worshipped on Kartik Purnima

This day is steeped in sacred stories and mythological symbolism. It's a day in which several deities are honored, each with their own legend associated with the date.

Vishnu (as Matsya)

It is said that on this day, Vishnu took his first incarnation as Matsya, the fish, to save the sage Manu and the Vedas from the Great Flood. Therefore, rituals are performed in his honor, and the Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) are recited.

Shiva (Tripurari)

According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva destroyed three demons (Tripurasuras) who had wreaked havoc on Kartik Purnima. This victory is known as Tripuri Purnima. Shaivites consider this night especially auspicious for meditation and puja to Shiva.

Goddess Lakshmi

Many also consider this day as an extension of Diwali, so prayers are made to Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, inviting her into the home with lamps and flowers.

Kartikeya (Murugan)

In southern India, this date celebrates the birth of Kartikeya, son of Shiva and Parvati, and leader of the devas. Processions, chants, and rituals are held in special temples dedicated to him.

Celebrations in different religious traditions

Kartik Purnima is one of the few festivals that transcends Hinduism and is also celebrated by other religions originating in India. What is Navaratri? Complete Spiritual Guide

Jainism

Jains commemorate the nirvana (liberation) of Mahavira, their 24th tirthankara. It is a day of fasting, charity, and pilgrimage to important temples like Palitana.

Sikhism

It coincides with the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In Punjab and other regions, large processions, readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, devotional songs, and free communal meals (langar) are held.

This makes Kartik Purnima a day of spiritual union between different religious philosophies that share common values of love, compassion, light, and truth.

How to observe Kartik Purnima from anywhere

If you're not in India or near a sacred river, you can still spiritually participate in this festival from your home. Here are some practical suggestions:

In the morning

• Get up before dawn. Take a shower mindfully, visualizing the water cleansing your body, your thoughts, and your emotions.
• Recite simple mantras like Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya or Om Namah Shivaya.
• If you can, do a short silent meditation or recitation of the Gayatri mantra.

During the day

• Dedicate time to spiritual self-study, reading sacred texts, silence, or contemplation.
• Practice charity: donate food, money, or time to someone in need.
• Perform a partial fast or a satvika (vegetarian and light) diet.

At night

• Light a candle or oil lamp. If you have a water source nearby, float it with intention and prayer.
• Perform a simple puja at home with flowers, incense, and mantras.
• Mentally offer light to your loved ones, ancestors, and the world.

Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

Varanasi, India's oldest and holiest city, shines every day with the devotion of its inhabitants and pilgrims. But there is one night in particular when its light reaches an almost celestial level - Dev Deepawali, the Diwali of the Gods. This festival, celebrated every year in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar, completely transforms the ghats of the Ganges River into a spectacle of thousands of lit lamps.

What is Dev Deepawali and why is it so important in Varanasi?

Dev Deepawali, known as the Diwali of the Gods, is one of the most magical and spiritual festivals celebrated in India, and Varanasi is the epicenter of this celebration.

While traditional Diwali — celebrated about two weeks before — marks the return of the god Rama to Ayodhya and the triumph of light over darkness, Dev Deepawali has a different meaning: it is believed that on this date, the gods themselves descend from heaven to bathe in the Ganges River and bless humanity.

Varanasi's importance to this festival is no coincidence. The city, considered the oldest inhabited city in India and one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, has an inseparable connection with the Ganges River, which is venerated here as the goddess Ganga.

According to tradition, on the night of Deepawali, the river's waters become especially pure, and the act of lighting oil lamps (diyas) and placing them along the ghats is a form of offering and devotion to the gods.

Nowhere else in India is Dev Deepawali celebrated with such intensity and beauty as in Varanasi. More than a million lamps illuminate the steps, temples, terraces, and even the boats sailing on the Ganges.

The image is almost unreal: thousands of tiny lights flickering, reflecting in the dark waters of the river, while priests perform Aarti ceremonies with fire, music, and mantras that fill the air with spiritual energy.

This festival is also a time of community unity. Entire families, pilgrims from all over India, and international travelers participate in decorating the ghats, carefully lighting lamps and making flower offerings. The atmosphere is festive, yet deeply solemn: everyone knows they are participating in an act that, according to belief, is observed by the gods themselves.

The magnitude of the event has made Dev Deepawali a highly anticipated date for devotees, photographers, filmmakers, and spiritual seekers alike. Simply put, if there's one time of year to see Varanasi in all its splendor, it's now.

Date of Dev Deepawali 2025 and its relation to the Hindu calendar

Dev Deepawali does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, as it is governed by the Hindu lunar calendar. It is celebrated every year on the night of Kartik Purnima, i.e., the full moon of the month of Kartik, which usually falls between late October and late November.

In 2025, Dev Deepawali will take place on Wednesday, November 5. This day marks the end of the month of Kartik, considered one of the holiest for Hindus, and coincides with other important religious celebrations in India, such as Kartik Snan (the ritual bathing of Kartik) and festivities honoring gods like Vishnu and Shiva.

The choice of this date is no coincidence. The full moon of Kartik has a strong spiritual significance: its energy is believed to favor the purification of the soul and to multiply the merits obtained through devotional practices on this day. For this reason, thousands of devotees rise early to perform a ritual bath in the Ganges before dawn, believing that this act cleanses their sins and opens the doors to moksha (spiritual liberation).

Furthermore, Kartik Purnima is closely linked to the legend of the god Shiva's victory over the demon Tripurasura, an event that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and spiritual enlightenment over ignorance. This story underlies the meaning of Dev Deepawali and its rituals of light.

It's important to mention that this day isn't only celebrated in Varanasi, although its magnitude is unparalleled. Ritual baths and special ceremonies are also held in cities like Pushkar, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, but in Varanasi, the massive lighting of the ghats turns the day into a spectacle like no other.

Spiritual meaning and associated legends

Dev Deepawali is much more than a festival of lights. It is a celebration deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and beliefs about the power of light as a purifying force.

The most well-known legend associated with this day is that of Tripurasura, a demon who, after receiving divine blessings, became invincible and wreaked havoc across the three worlds. The gods, unable to defeat him, turned to Shiva for help.

Shiva, riding his celestial chariot and armed with his divine bow, destroyed Tripurasura's three floating cities with a single arrow, restoring peace to the universe. This event is known as Tripurari Purnima, and is the origin of Dev Deepawali.

Lighting diyas (oil lamps) on this day is a way to commemorate this victory and symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, both in the outer world and within each person. For devotees, light represents knowledge and truth, while darkness symbolizes ignorance and ego.

The festival is also linked to the belief that, on the night of Dev Deepawali, the gods descend into the Ganges River to bathe and bless those who participate in the celebration. Therefore, ritual baths at dawn are one of the central practices.

Temples are filled with chanting, ghats with flowers and lights, and families gather to pray and share offerings. In an increasingly fast-paced world, this festival invites us to pause, light a candle, and remember that there is always a way to dispel the darkness.

How Dev Deepawali is celebrated in Varanasi: step by step

Experiencing Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is an experience that begins long before nightfall. The day kicks off with the arrival of thousands of pilgrims at the ghats for Kartik Snan, the holy dip in the Ganges before dawn. The atmosphere at this time is already special: the still-dark sky, the murmur of mantras, and the sound of water mark the beginning of a sacred day.

Throughout the morning, temples and ghats prepare for the grand celebration. Vendors set up stalls with diyas, flowers, and offerings, while volunteers and devotees decorate the steps with oil lamp patterns. Drums and traditional music can be heard in the streets.

As night falls, the mass placement of diyas begins on all the ghats. Dashashwamedh Ghat , the most famous, becomes a sea of ​​lights. Priests dressed in gold and red robes perform the special Ganga Aarti , holding enormous lamps of fire while chanting mantras dedicated to the goddess Ganga. The ceremony is longer and more solemn than on other days, and attracts thousands of people.

One of the most magical moments is when, after the Aarti, devotees release floating diyas into the river. From the boats, the spectacle is breathtaking: the Ganges seems to transform into a mirror of stars.

In addition to the rituals, cultural events such as Indian classical music concerts, traditional dances, and theatrical performances of episodes from Hindu mythology are also held. All of this reinforces the communal and festive spirit of Dev Deepawali.

Best places to watch Dev Deepawali

Although the entire Ganges River in Varanasi is illuminated during Dev Deepawali, certain vantage points offer unparalleled views and unique experiences. Choosing the right location can make the difference between simply attending the festival or experiencing it unforgettable .

Dashashwamedh Ghat

is the epicenter of the celebration. The most impressive Ganga Aarti takes place here, with priests holding enormous lamps of fire in perfect synchronization. The combination of music, mantras, lights, and the illuminated river is breathtaking. However, due to its fame, this ghat fills up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive at least two hours early to get a good spot.

Assi Ghat

If you're looking for a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, Assi Ghat is ideal. Ceremonies are also held here, and the diya decorations are equally spectacular. It also offers more space to walk and observe without the pressure of the crowd.

Panchganga Ghat

is one of the most sacred ghats, where five rivers symbolically converge. It has a more spiritual and traditional atmosphere, perfect for those who want to meditate or take unconventional photographs.

From a boat on the Ganges

One of the most magical experiences is gazing at all the illuminated ghats from the water. Renting a boat (private or shared) allows you to see the festival from a panoramic perspective. From there, the line of lights seems endless, and the reflection in the water creates a dreamlike effect.

Whichever venue you choose, arrive early, bring a blanket or cushion to sit on, and, if possible, reserve a spot on a balcony or terrace with a river view in advance.

Kartika Purnima in Pushkar

Pushkar, located 14 km from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan, is a small village perched on the edge of a mystical lake that tradition says is of divine origin. Already in some 4th-century writings, we find mention of this location and references to legends that permeate it.

It is said that Brahma, the creator god of the Hindu pantheon, dropped a lotus flower from his hands to defeat a demon. At the three points on Earth where the petals landed, water gushed forth in the middle of the desert, forming three small blue lakes.

On the shores of the largest of these, Brahma gathered as many as 900,000 celestial beings, representing many of the principal Hindu deities, for a celebration.

For time immemorial, on the annual occasion of this magical event, Kartika Purnima, the days of the full moon between October and November, crowds of devotees have flocked to the Brahma temple, the Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir, located near the lake.

This temple is one of the few sites in India dedicated to the Hindu creator god. Devotees believe these rites have the power to purify the negativity accumulated over countless existences and can lead, in the next life, directly to Brahma's Pure Land.

Pushkar Camel Fair

The Unt Mela is a large festival that began as a gathering of caravanners who, alongside the Brahma festival of Kartika Purmina, exchanged goods and traded their camels and other animals.

It gradually expanded to become the largest camel fair known, and then further expanded to include sporting and cultural events, until it took on the form we see today. Camel and horse races, as well as performances of Rajasthani music and dance, are very popular during the Unt Mela.