What is the significance of the Kartik Purnima? Here's what you need to know

Post Diwali, another major celebration is the Kartik Purnima, which falls on November 8 this year. Holding an immense religious and spiritual significance the day falls in the month of Kartik, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Date and time for Kartik Purnima 2022:

Purnima Tithi Begins -November 7, 2022 - 04:15 pm

Purnima Tithi Ends - November 8, 2022 - 04:31 pm

Why does this day hold such significance? That is attributed - in Hindi scripture - to Lord Shiva's slaying of the demon, Tripurasura, and is also known as Tripuri Purnima. This auspicious occasion also marks Lord Vishnu appearing in the form of Matsya on the eve of this day.

To express their devotion, people observe the 'Satyanarayan' fast on this day. However, due to the lunar eclipse (chandra grahan) this time the fast will be observed on Chaturdashi Tithi.

Donation and charity work is considered fruitful so people should donate food and clothes to the needy and poor people. Dev Diwali is also celebrated with great grandeur on this auspicious day of Kartik Purnima.

Followers of the Jain religion celebrate this day as the ‘Jain Festival of Light’. The day of Kartik Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev and is celebrated as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab, with Sikhs visiting their Gurudwara to offer prayers to Guru Nanak.

Rituals performed on Kartik Purnima:

• Devotees visit to Ganga Ghats and take a holy bath on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima.
• Shiva, Santati, Priti, Anusuiya and Kshama are worshipped during moonrise.
• Devotees perform a fast and organise hawan (yajna) on this day, feeding the needy and poor.
• Eating non vegetarian food and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited on this day.
• In the evening, people offer Arghya to the moon.