Kartik Month 2024: Complete List of Major Fasts and Festivals
In Hinduism, the month of Kartik holds special significance. This auspicious month is marked by purity and various religious festivals, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to reside in water, increasing the importance of Kartik bathing and lamp offerings (deep daan). This year, Kartik month began on October 18 and will continue until November 15. During this time, festivals such as Karva Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami, Diwali, and Chhath Puja are celebrated. Let’s explore the key fasts and festivals observed in this month.
Spiritual Importance of Kartik Month
In Kartik month, rituals such as Ganga bathing, lamp offerings, and religious ceremonies hold immense importance. It is believed that offering lamps in rivers, ponds, and temples during this month brings the blessings of Lord Vishnu, leading to prosperity and happiness. Observing fasts and prayers in this month is also said to cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual merit.
List of Fasts and Festivals in Kartik Month
| Date | Fast/Festival |
|---|---|
| October 20 | Karva Chauth |
| October 24 | Ahoi Ashtami |
| October 28 | Rama Ekadashi |
| October 29 | Dhanteras and Bhaum Pradosh Vrat |
| October 30 | Hanuman Jayanti |
| October 31 | Diwali |
| November 1 | Bath Donation Amavasya |
| November 2 | Govardhan Puja and Annakut |
| November 3 | Bhai Dooj |
| November 7 | Chhath Puja |
| November 9 | Gopashtami |
| November 10 | Akshay Navami |
| November 12 | Devotthan Ekadashi |
| November 13 | Pradosh Vrat |
| November 14 | Vaikuntha Chaturdashi |
| November 15 | Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepavali |
Highlights of Major Fasts and Festivals
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Karva Chauth (October 20)
Karva Chauth is a significant fast mainly observed by married women for the long life, health, and prosperity of their husbands. Women observe a day-long fast without water, ending it after sighting and offering water to the moon at night. -
Ahoi Ashtami (October 24)
This fast is kept for the well-being and longevity of children. On this day, mothers worship Ahoi Mata and pray for the prosperity and happiness of their children. -
Diwali (October 31)
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, falls on the new moon day of Kartik month. The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and illuminate their homes with lamps, followed by fireworks. -
Chhath Puja (November 7-8)
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, primarily observed in North and Eastern India. Devotees observe rigorous fasts, making offerings to the setting and rising sun on the river banks. -
Devotthan Ekadashi (November 12)
On this day, Lord Vishnu awakens from his cosmic sleep, marking the beginning of all auspicious activities. The day is also marked by Tulsi Vivah (wedding of the Tulsi plant). -
Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepavali (November 15)
Kartik Purnima is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Dev Deepavali, also celebrated on this day, involves lighting lamps along riverbanks and temples, particularly on the banks of the Ganges.
Religious Practices During Kartik Month
Throughout Kartik month, devotees engage in Ganga bathing, Tulsi worship, and prayers to Lord Vishnu. Taking a holy dip at sunrise in rivers or ponds is customary. Lighting lamps in the morning and evening as an offering to the divine is also considered extremely auspicious.
Conclusion
The Kartik month is spiritually enriching and brings peace and prosperity to devotees. Observing fasts, performing rituals, and offering lamps during this month are believed to invoke divine blessings and foster positive energy in life.
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