Things to do on Karthika Purnima

Kartik Purnima is also known as Dev Diwali (Diwali of the Gods) and Tripuri Purnima (as it marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura). Lord Vishnu appeared as Matsya (fish) avatar on this day. Sikhs celebrate it as Guru Nanak Jayanti as the founder guru of Sikhism was born on Kartik Purnima in 1469 AD. This day is significant for Jains too. They undertake a pilgrimage (Shri Shatrunjay Tirth Yatra) to worship Lord Mahavir at the famous temple situated on the Shatrunjay Hills, Gujarat.

This festival is awaited by many devotees who look forward to perform various rituals and please gods. Traditionally, people keep a fast on this day, take a holy dip in the river, light diyas for the entire night, and carry out charities. It is said that doing these things today give results equivalent to that of Ashwamedha yagya. Gifting gold is believed to fulfill all the desires.

1) Offer kheer(rice in sweetened milk) to Lord Shiva on the night of Kartik Purnima. Consume some of it yourself as prasad afterwards. This would bring mental peace and prosperity in life.

In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Shivling Mahajala Abhishekam is organised on the day.

2) Stare at full moon for sometime (around 4-5 minutes). The rays emitting from moon on purnima have potential to calm nerves and relax your eyes. 

3) On this day, light an earthen lamp which has a 4 wicks lighting in all the four directions (North, South, East, West) in front of Lord Hanuman's idol or photo. This would bring blessings of the god.

4) Chant Mahamrityunjay mantra 108 times.

As per the name this holy month is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. It is also the birthday of Vrinda (the epitome of the Tulsi plant) and the last day to perform ‘Tulsi Vivah’. 

Kartik Purnima is closely associated with Prabodhini Ekadashi, which marks the end of Chaturmas, a four-month period when Vishnu is believed to sleep. In Rajasthan, the famous annual Pushkar Mela is held to mark this.