The sacred month of Karthika Masam officially begins on October 27, 2026, marking one of the most auspicious periods for spiritual discipline, fasting, and charity in Sanatana Dharma. Mentioned extensively in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, this holy month falls during Dakshinayana and is uniquely dedicated to the dual worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Karthik Maas 2026 Start and End Dates
Due to regional calendar variations in India, Kartik month is observed across two distinct timelines:
- Purnimanta Tradition (North India): 27 October – 24 November 2026
- Amanta Tradition (South India & Western India): 10 November – 8 December 2026
Karthika Somavaram Vrata Dates
The highly auspicious Karthika Somavaram (Monday) fasting dates for 2026 are November 16, November 23, November 30, and December 7.
Karthika Masam 2026 Festival Calendar & Important Dates
The month features a cluster of major festivals and fasting milestones:
- October 29: Karwa Chauth
- November 1: Ahoi Ashtami
- November 5: Rama Ekadashi
- November 6: Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Jayanti)
- November 8: Narak Chaturdashi & Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
- November 10: Govardhan Puja & Bhai Dooj (Karthika Masa Arambham in South India)
- November 13: Nagula Chavithi
- November 13–16: Chhath Puja
- November 17: Gopashtami
- November 20: Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi)
- November 21–22: Tulsi Vivah & Ksheerabdi Dwadasi
- November 23: Vaikuntha Chaturdashi
- November 24: Kartik Purnima & Dev Diwali (Karthigai Deepam)
- December 7: Karthika Masa Shivaratri
- December 8: Karthika Amavasya (Masa Samapti)
Core Rituals: Somavara Vratam, Deepam, and Snanam
Central to the month is the Karthika Somavaram (Mondays), where devotees observe strict fasts and perform abhishekam to Lord Shiva. Prominent shrines like the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Vemulawada, and the Pancharama Kshetras witness massive pilgrim footfalls.
Devotees also practice Karthika Snanam—taking early morning holy baths in sacred rivers—and maintain the daily ritual of lighting clay diyas near the Tulsi plant and home entrances at sunset to invoke prosperity, marital harmony, and spiritual growth.
Download the Temples of Bharat mobile app to explore temple news, history, Sthala Purana, and Hindu festivals, all in one place. Discover India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage with authentic information.
0
Leave a Reply