Karthika Masam is one of the most auspicious months in Hinduism and is called by different names like Damodara Masa, Karthigai, Kartika, Karthikam, etc.

This month is auspicious to both the devotees of  Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Karthika Masam 2024 Dates

For Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka – in 2024, Karthika Masam begins on Sunday, November 2nd & ends on Sunday, December 1st.

Kartik Mahina 2024 Dates

In Purnimanth following states, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and other North Indian states,

Kartik Mahina in 2024 starts on Friday, October 18th, and ends on Friday, November 15th.

Importance & Significance of Kartik Month

The lunar calendar has been divided into two parts Dakshinayana and Uttararyana. Karthika Masam comes under Dakshinayana. In terms of sadhana, Dakshinayana is for purification, Uttarayan is for enlightenment.

Sadhana means a process by which one would get salvation. Out of all the months in Dakshinayana Karthika Masam is best suited for Sadhana. Hence Karthika Masam is one of the most auspicious months of the lunar calendar.

According to Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, the month of Kartik provides four kinds of benefits – religious, economic, good marital life and enlightenment.

The importance and significance of the month Kartik is first narrated by Lord Narayana to Brahma, Brahma to Narada and by Narada to King Prithu for the welfare of mankind.

Karthika Somavaram

Lord Shiva Vector image

Special rituals and fasting are observed on Mondays in Kartik Month. Mondays are generally dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Specially, Mondays in Sravana Masam and Kartika Masam are considered as most auspicious by Lord Shiva devotees.

Somavaram (Monday) gets its name from one of thousand names of Lord Shiva – Someshwara. The crescent moon (Soma) on the matted locks of Shiva gives him the name Someshwara.

It is believed that the moon observed Somavara Vratam to escape from the curse of Daksha and to get the blessings from Lord Shiva and a spot in His matted locks.

Karthika Somavaram Dates

There are four Mondays (Karthika Somavara) in Karthika Masam 2024.

  1. 4th November
  2. 11th November
  3. 18th November
  4. 25th November

Rituals in Kartik Maas

Lighting a Lamp

During the Kartik Month diyas are lit and placed in front of Tulasi plant and near the main entrance of the house before Sun rise and just before Sun set. 

Kartik Snan or Bathing in River

Another important ritual is bathing in river during Karthika Month. The rivers have received fresh water during the rain season comprising of Shravana Masam and Bhadrapada Masam.

As the rivers over flow banks and are furious bathing in rivers during Shravana and Bhadrapada is prohibhited. The river completely settle by the time Karthika Masam starts.

Visiting Shiva Temples

  • Shiva temples observe special pujas and rituals in the month.
  • Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple attracts more than 2 million devotees during the month.
  • Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple at Vemulawada in Telangana attracts more than a million devotees during the Karthika Masam.
  • Visiting five temples of Shiva Pancharamalu or Pancharama Kshetralu is performed in the month.

An important prayer chanted in the month is the Damodarastakam.

Karthika Masam Calendar

Note: In Hindu calendar Tithi (day) might start any time of the day so some festival dates may differ. Find the local calendar for exact date and time.

DateImportance
Wed, 26th OctChandra Darshanam, Govardhana Puja, Karthika Masa Arambham
Thu, 27th OctYama Dwitiya, Bhagini Hastha Bhojanam
Fri, 28th OctNagula Chavithi, Chaturthi Vratham
Sun, 30th OctSurya Sashti, Skanda Sashti
Mon, 31st, OctKarthika Somavara Vratham
Tue, 1st NovGopashtami, Durgashtami Vrat, Pushpayaga Mahotsavam at Tirumala
Wed, 2nd NovAkshaya Navami
Fri, 4th NovKarthika Ekadashi, Uthana Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi, Chaturmasya Vrata Samapti
Sat, 5th NovKshiraabdhi Dwadasi, Kaisika Dwadashi, Sanitrayodashi, Pradosh Vratam, Tulsi Vivah
Sun, 6th NovVishweshwara Vratam, Vaikunta Chaturdashi
Mon, 7th NovVishakha Karte, Jwalathoranam
Tue, 8th NovKarthika Pournami, Sri Satyanarayana Pooja , Uma Maheshwara Vrat , Pournami Vratam , Pournami
Fri, 11th NovSoubhagya Sundari Teej
Sat, 12th NovSankashti/Sankashtahara Chaturthi
Wed, 16th NovKalashtami, Budh Ashtami Vrat, Vrischika Samkramanam
Thu, 17th NovSabarimala Mandala Kalam Begins
Sun, 20th NovAnuradha Karte , Utpana Ekadashi
Mon, 21st NovSoma Pradosh Vratham
Tue, 22nd NovMasa Shivaratri
Wed, 23rd NovAmavasya, Karthika Masam Ends

Popular Festivals in Kartik Month

Karthika Masam – Kartik Purnima, Gopashtami, Kansa Vadha, Tulsi Vivah, Bhaiya Dooj are the most important Festivals in Karthik month. 

Amant calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Purnimant Calendar is followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar.

But all the festivals will fall on the same day as per Gregorian calendar.

For understanding more, read about Amant & Purnimant Calendars.

Amant FestivalsPurnimant Festivals
Gowardhan PujaKarwa Chauth
Bhaiya DoojAhoi Ashtami
Chhath PujaRama Ekadashi
GopashtamiDhan Teras
Kansa VadhaNarak Chathurdashi
Devuthaana EkadashiLakshmi Puja
Tulasi VivahGowardhan Puja
Kala Bhairava JayanthiBhaiya Dooj
Utpanna EkadashiChhath Puja
Karthika PournamiGopashtami
 Kansa Vadha
 Devuthaana Ekadashi
 Tulsi Vivah

Know more about 12 Hindu Months.

FAQ

When Kartika Masa will start?

In 2023, Karthika masam starts on Tuesday, 14th November, and ends on Tuesday, 12th December.

Why is Karthika Masam Special?

According to Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, the Karthika Masam provides four kinds of benefits – religious, economic, good marital life and enlightenment.

Why Karthika Masam is special for Lord Shiva?

Karthika Masam is the holiest month to worship Lord Shiva and to do penance for all the sins committed.

It is believed that the Tripura Asuras (3 Demons) were killed by Lord Shiva on Karthika pournami.

When is Karthigai Deepam in 2023?

Sunday, 26th November, it is also called Karthika Pournami and Kartik Purnima.

What should we do in Karthika Masam?

Karthik Month is auspicious to both the devotees of  Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Devotees visit temples of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, observe fasting and Karthika Masa Vratham, specially on Karthika Somavara days.

4 responses to “Karthika Masam 2024 Dates, Importance of Karthika Masam”

  1. Very good information. I don’t know how to search the festival dates on calendar. Thank you.

    Reply

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