Kartik Purnima, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus across the globe. This auspicious day falls on the full moon day in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, typically in November. In 2023, Kartik Purnima arrives with its radiant significance, illuminating souls and symbolizing various cultural facets.
Kartika Purnima
Kartika PurnimaThe essence of Kartik Purnima lies in its amalgamation of religious and cultural significance. Devotees immerse themselves in the divine aura of this day by participating in religious ceremonies and rituals. It’s a time when many Hindus embark on pilgrimages to sacred rivers or temples, performing sacred baths or puja rituals to honors the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
Radha-Krishna
In Vaishnavite tradition, this day is considered significant and special for the worship of both Radha and Krishna. It is believed that on this day, Radha-Krishna performed rasalila with their gopis. At Jagannath Temple, Puri and all other Radha-Krishna temples, a sacred vow is observed throughout Kartika month, and performances of raaslila are organized on the day of Kartika Purnima. According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna worshipped Radha on this day.
Celebrations during Kartik Purnima aren’t confined to a particular region; instead, they are observed in various ways across different parts of India. In some regions, it marks the culmination of a month-long Kartik Savon, where devotees take ritualistic baths before sunrise in holy rivers or lakes. This act is believed to cleanse the soul and bring blessings for spiritual growth.
Shiva
‘Tripuri Purnima’ or ‘Tripurari Purnima’ derives its name from Tripurari – the foe of the demon Tripurasura. In some legends of Kartika Purnima, the term is used to denote the three demon sons of Tārakāsura. Tripurari is an epithet of the god Shiva. Shiva, in his form as Tripurantaka (“Killer of Tripurasura”), killed Tripurasura on this day. Tripurasura had conquered the whole world and defeated the gods and also created three cities in space, together called “Tripura“. The killing of the demon(s) and destruction of his/their cities with a single arrow by Shiva overjoyed the gods, and they declared the day as a festival of illuminations. This day is also called “Deva-Diwali”—the Diwali of the gods.
Moreover, Kartik Purnima coincides with several other festivities, enhancing its grandeur and diversity. It shares its date with the Jain festival of Tripuri Purnima and Sikhism’s Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This convergence beautifully underscores the ethos of unity in diversity, as people from different faiths come together to celebrate the light of Kartik Purnima in their own unique ways.
Tulasi and Vishnu
Kartika Purnima is also celebrated as the manifestation day of Matsya, the god Vishnu‘s fish incarnation (avatar) and Vrinda, the personification of the tulasi. In the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Tulasi is a gopi cursed to be born on earth as a princess and marry Shankacuda, an asura. She remained a devotee of Vishnu and strongly wished to marry the deity. When Shankacuda threatens the existing order with his conquests, invincible owing to the chastity of his wife, Vishnu assumes his form and tricks her into hugging him, causing her to lose her chastity and allowing Shiva to triumph in his battle over the asura. Vishnu then revealed his true form and married her. Tulasi cursed that Vishnu would take the form of a shaligrama stone for his trickery, and to appease her, the deity stated that her essence would become the tulasi plant and the Gandaki river. Her divine form ascended to Vaikuntha to be with him.
Kartikeya
In Southern India, Kartika Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Kartikeya, the god of war and elder son of Shiva. This day is also dedicated to the pitrs, dead ancestors.
Underhill believes that the origins of this festival may lie in ancient times, when a sacrifice called Shakamedhah was performed to attain victory over enemies.
The festival has even more significance when the day falls in the nakshatra (lunar mansion) of Krittika and is then called Maha Kartika. If the nakshatra is Bharani, the results are stated to be special. If it is Rohini, then the fruitful results are even more. Any philanthropic act on this day is supposed to bring benefits and blessings equal to the performing of ten yajnas.
The radiance of Kartik Purnima isn’t solely confined to spiritual realms; it also embraces cultural festivities that showcase the vibrancy of Indian traditions. In some regions, vibrant fairs and markets adorn the streets, offering an array of traditional handicrafts, delicious street food, and lively cultural performances. These celebrations not only add joy to the festival but also foster a sense of community and togetherness.
Hinduism
Kartika Purnima is closely associated with Prabodhini Ekadashi, which marks the end of the chaturmasya, a four-month period when Vishnu is believed to sleep. Prabodhini Ekadashi signifies the awakening of the god. Many fairs that begin on Prabodhini Ekadashi end on Kartika Purnima, Kartika Purnima usually being the most important day of the fair. Fairs that conclude on this day include Prabodhini Ekadashi celebrations at Pandharpur and Pushkar Fair. Kartika Purnima is also the last day to perform the Tulasi Vivaha ceremony, which can be performed from Prabodhini Ekadashi.
For many, Kartik Purnima transcends beyond religious observance; it embodies a spiritual journey, a time for self-reflection and inner illumination. The full moon on this day symbolizes enlightenment, signifying the triumph of light over darkness. It prompts individuals to introspect, seek inner peace, and radiate positivity, aligning with the essence of Kartik Purnima.
The cultural richness and spiritual significance of Kartik Purnima make it a cherished and revered festival in Hindu traditions. Its celebration in 2023 continues to carry forward the legacy of centuries-old rituals, spreading the message of harmony, spirituality, and the victory of righteousness over evil.
As Kartik Purnima draws near in 2023, it beckons everyone to immerse themselves in the divine aura of this auspicious day. Whether partaking in religious ceremonies, cultural festivities, or simply embracing the essence of inner light and spirituality, Kartik Purnima offers a chance to connect with oneself and with the universal spirit that unites us all.
In conclusion, Kartik Purnima in 2023 encapsulates the essence of spirituality, unity, and cultural diversity. It stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of traditions, fostering a sense of togetherness while illuminating hearts and minds with its radiant significance.
