Kartik Purnima, celebrated on November 15, 2024, is one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar. The festival holds great significance as a time for spiritual cleansing, devotion, and charity. This year, it coincides with Dev Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti, making it even more special for both Hindus and Sikhs.
Early Morning Rituals
The day begins with early morning rituals. Devotees are encouraged to wake up before dawn and take a holy bath in a sacred river like the Ganga. For those who cannot access a river, adding a few drops of Ganga water to their bath at home is a suitable alternative. After bathing, worshippers offer Arghya, a water offering, to the Sun God, as an act of respect and devotion.
Preparing for the Puja
Before starting the puja, it is important to clean the house and the designated puja area. Idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are placed on a platform, surrounded by offerings like flowers, fruits, and incense, to create an environment of reverence.
Lighting Lamps (Deep Daan)
Lighting lamps is one of the most cherished rituals on Kartik Purnima. Devotees light ghee lamps and place them at various spots around their homes, including the main entrance and near the Tulsi plant. This act is believed to dispel negativity and invite divine blessings.
Spiritual Practices for Prosperity
Observing the Satyanarayan Vrat
Many devotees observe the Satyanarayan Vrat, a special fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Reciting the Satyanarayan Katha is believed to bring peace and prosperity to families, alleviating difficulties and inviting positive change into their lives.
Acts of Charity (Daan)
Kartik Purnima is also a day for charity. It is particularly auspicious to donate food, clothing, and essentials such as sesame seeds, ghee, or flour. This year, the rare Shash Rajyog is believed to amplify the rewards of such charitable acts, making the giving even more spiritually meaningful.
Evening Prayers to the Moon
Offering Arghya to the Moon
At the end of the day, devotees offer Arghya to the Moon God, a ritual believed to bring spiritual fulfillment and inner peace.
Broader Significance of Kartik Purnima
Dev Diwali
Kartik Purnima also marks Dev Diwali, the festival of lights, which celebrates Lord Shiva’s victory over demons. This is observed with the lighting of thousands of lamps along riverbanks, particularly in Varanasi, where the glow of the lamps illuminates the night sky.
Spiritual Cleansing and Liberation
Bathing on Kartik Purnima is considered to cleanse past sins and bring devotees closer to spiritual liberation or moksha.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
The day is also significant for Sikhs as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, reinforcing the shared spiritual practices between Hindus and Sikhs.
By observing the rituals of Kartik Purnima, devotees seek prosperity, spiritual fulfillment, and the alleviation of personal challenges. It is a day filled with acts of devotion, charity, and gratitude, making it a meaningful occasion for people of all faiths. Kartik Purnima is a reminder of the power of spirituality, compassion, and faith in one’s life.
