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Kartik Poornima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Revered for its deep spiritual significance, this day is a confluence of religious traditions, ancient mythologies, and powerful cosmic alignments. While it is well-known for rituals like Deep Daan and the sacred Ganga Snan (bath in the Ganges), Kartik Poornima holds a treasure trove of fascinating, lesser-known facts that make it a truly extraordinary day for millions across India. Let’s dive deeper into the lesser-explored dimensions of this sacred festival.
One of the most interesting facts about Kartik Poornima is that it’s known by different names across regions, each carrying its own unique cultural and mythological significance. In some parts of India, it’s called Tripuri Poornima, commemorating Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. The story goes that Tripurasura had created three invincible cities, but Lord Shiva, with a single arrow, destroyed them, marking the ultimate triumph of good over evil. To celebrate this cosmic victory, the gods are believed to have lit up the heavens, making this day known as Deva Diwali—the festival of lights for the gods. Few people know that Deva Diwali is celebrated with as much enthusiasm in the celestial realm as Diwali is on earth.
But the significance of Kartik Poornima extends beyond Hinduism. In Jainism, it holds a crucial place as the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Nirvana or liberation from the cycle of life and death. This monumental event is marked by the lighting of lamps and offering prayers in Jain temples, especially in sacred pilgrimage sites like Palitana and Girnar. For Jains, Kartik Poornima is a day of reflection, spiritual discipline, and immense religious fervour. The sight of Jain monks and nuns, walking barefoot across villages and towns in meditation, adds a serene and contemplative air to the day’s festivities.
In Sikhism, Kartik Poornima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. Sikhs all over the world light candles and lamps in Gurdwaras and organise langars (community kitchens), symbolising the core Sikh values of sharing and humility. The evening is often filled with devotional hymns that resonate with love and devotion, making the day a heartwarming celebration of Guru Nanak’s teachings on equality, compassion, and devotion to God.
One of the most compelling aspects of Kartik Poornima, especially in Hindu belief, is the ritual of Deep Daan, or the offering of oil lamps to the sacred rivers, particularly the Ganga. Floating these tiny lamps, or diyas, on the river is a visually captivating experience, but the ritual’s significance runs much deeper. According to Hindu mythology, performing Deep Daan on Kartik Poornima brings the merit of the Ashwamedha Yagya, one of the most powerful and prestigious Vedic sacrifices that was once reserved only for kings. By offering these lamps, devotees believe they are not only securing their own spiritual well-being but also ensuring the salvation of their ancestors.
It is widely believed that offering Deep Daan on this day can bring fame, fortune, and liberation (moksha). The act symbolises the transition of the soul from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, and from the material world to the divine. Moreover, Kartik Poornima is considered the ideal day for performing Tarpan and Shradh rituals to honour ancestors. Offering prayers and performing these rituals ensures that the departed souls find peace and move towards liberation.
Another significant ritual associated with Kartik Poornima is the Ganga Snan. Bathing in the holy Ganga on this day is believed to cleanse the soul of all sins and negative karma accumulated over lifetimes. According to legend, Lord Vishnu himself descends into the Ganga on this day, sanctifying the waters. Taking a dip during this auspicious time is said to grant divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual renewal. Those who cannot bathe in the Ganga often visit other sacred rivers or even perform a symbolic bath at home, chanting hymns and mantras.
But the beauty of Kartik Poornima doesn’t end with rituals and religious ceremonies. The day is also marked by vibrant fairs and cultural celebrations, particularly in places like Pushkar, Rajasthan. The famous Pushkar Mela culminates on Kartik Poornima, where thousands of pilgrims gather to take a holy dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake. The day’s festivities are accompanied by music, dance, and vibrant cultural expressions that showcase India’s rich heritage. The evening aarti on the ghats of Pushkar, with countless oil lamps reflecting in the water, is a sight to behold.
In many regions, Kartik Poornima is also the day when the symbolic marriage of Tulsi (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu takes place, marking the end of the Hindu festive season that began with Diwali. This ceremony, known as Tulsi Vivah, is performed with great devotion and signifies the end of monsoon and the return of prosperity to the earth.
An interesting fact not many are aware of is the astronomical significance of this day. Kartik Poornima falls when the moon is in the Mrigashira Nakshatra (constellation), known for its association with wealth, wisdom, and fulfilment of desires. This celestial alignment adds to the day’s spiritual potency, making it an ideal time for performing rituals and seeking divine blessings.
At Garh Mukteshwar, a sacred town on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Kartik Poornima holds a particularly special place. The town’s name itself, Mukti-dham, reflects its reputation as a place for seeking liberation. The annual Kartik Mela here attracts lakhs of devotees who come to perform Deep Daan and take the holy dip in the Ganga. According to legend, a dip in the Ganga at GarhMukteshwar on Kartik Poornima can wash away the sins of seven lifetimes and grant the soul a direct path to moksha. The sight of thousands of lamps floating on the river as prayers rise into the night sky is nothing short of magical.
In essence, Kartik Poornima is not just a day of ritualistic significance; it is a cosmic opportunity to cleanse the soul, connect with ancestors, and seek divine blessings. Whether through Deep Daan, Ganga Snan, or cultural festivities, this day brings together devotion, tradition, and a deep spiritual connection that resonates with millions. The power of this day lies not just in its religious practices but in its ability to bring light into our lives, both physically and spiritually, guiding us from darkness to enlightenment.
