Kartik Purnima is considered one of the holiest and most spiritually rewarding days in the Hindu calendar. In 2025, it falls on Wednesday, November 5. On this sacred full moon day, performing Snan (holy bath), Daan (charity), and Deepdaan (lighting of lamps) is believed to bring immense divine blessings and multiply the results of one’s good deeds.
The day holds special significance for worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and it is also observed as Dev Deepawali, when devotees light lamps along riverbanks to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
Below is the complete procedure for Snan, Daan, and Deepdaan on Kartik Purnima:
1. Kartik Purnima Snan Vidhi (Holy Bath Ritual)
The most auspicious time for the holy bath, known as Kartik Snan, is during Brahma Muhurta, before sunrise.
Time: Take a bath before sunrise during Brahma Muhurta.
Place: Bathe in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, or any holy water body if possible.
At Home: If you cannot go to a river, mix a few drops of Ganga Jal in your regular bath water.
Procedure: While bathing, meditate on Lord Vishnu and Mother Ganga, chanting “Om Namo Narayanaya” or “Om Vishnave Namah.”
Post-Bath: Wear clean clothes and offer Arghya (water offering) to the Sun God while chanting “Om Ghrinih Suryaya Namah.”
Sankalp: Make a heartfelt resolution (sankalp) to perform charity and worship sincerely.
2. Puja Vidhi (Worship Ritual)
After the holy bath, perform puja of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Shiva (in Tripurari form).
Setup: Clean your puja area and place a red or yellow cloth on a platform. Install idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Shiva.
Tulsi Puja: Offer water and light a lamp (diya) near the Tulsi (holy basil) plant, as worshipping Tulsi during Kartik month is highly auspicious.
Pooja Items: Offer incense, lamp (diya), kheer, sweets or fruits, sandalwood, flowers, and rice grains (akshat) to the deities.
Satyanarayan Katha: Listening to or reciting Shri Satyanarayan Katha on this day brings great blessings.
Mantra Chanting: Chant Vishnu mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”
3. Deepdaan Vidhi (Diya Offering Ritual)
The evening of Kartik Purnima is celebrated as Dev Deepawali, marked by the lighting of lamps (diyas).
Time: The most auspicious time is after sunset or during twilight (Sandhya Kaal).
Number of Lamps: Light 11, 21, 51, or 365 diyas (oil or ghee lamps), depending on your capacity. Lighting 365 diyas symbolizes year-round prosperity.
Places for Deepdaan:
Banks of sacred rivers or ponds
Home temple
Home main entrance
Near Tulsi plant
Near water container in kitchen
North-east direction of home
Under a Peepal
Near Shami tree
Sankalp and Prayer: While lighting the diyas, pray to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi: “May this light remove darkness from my life and bring in happiness and abundance.”
River Offering: If you are offering diya near a river, float earthen lamps or leaf lamps on the water as an offering.
Special Diya: Devotees also light a 365-wick lamp near Tulsi or in temples to receive the merit of year-long worship.
4. Daan Vidhi (Charity Ritual)
Charity performed on Kartik Purnima holds special power and is believed to bring eternal merit (Anant Punya).
Sankalp: Before giving charity, hold water in your hand and mentally dedicate the donation with pure intentions.
Recipients: Offer donations to the needy, Brahmins, or the underprivileged.
Items to Donate:
1. Grains – wheat, rice, lentils
2. Clothes – especially woolen garments and blankets
3. Til (sesame) and jaggery
4. Ghee and honey
5. Cow donation (Gau Daan), if possible
Spiritual Significance:
Kartik Purnima marks the day when Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura. It is also believed that all deities descend to light diya on earth on this night.
Performing Snan, Daan, and Deepdaan on this sacred full moon brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings, leading one closer to spiritual liberation (Moksha).
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
