The lunar calendar is divided into two parts: Dakshinayana and Uttarayana. Karthika Masam falls under Dakshinayana. In terms of sadhana (the process of working toward salvation), Dakshinayana is meant for purification, while Uttarayana is meant for enlightenment. Among all the months in Dakshinayana, Karthika Masam is considered best suited for sadhana.

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

The importance of Kartik month was first narrated by Lord Narayana to Brahma. Brahma then passed it on to Narada, and Narada told it to King Prithu for the welfare of mankind.

Special rituals and fasting are observed on Mondays during Kartik Month. Mondays are generally dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Mondays in both Sravana Masam and Karthika Masam are considered especially auspicious by Lord Shiva devotees.

Somavaram (Monday) takes its name from one of the thousand names of Lord Shiva — Someshwara. The crescent moon (Soma) on Shiva’s matted locks gives him this name. According to belief, the moon observed Somavara Vratam to escape a curse from Daksha and to receive Lord Shiva’s blessing along with a place in his matted locks.

Karthika Somavaram Dates

There are four Mondays (Karthika Somavara) in Karthika Masam 2026:

• November 4th
• November 11th
• November 18th
• November 25th

• Lighting a lamp: Diyas are lit and placed in front of the Tulasi plant and near the main entrance of the house, before sunrise and just before sunset.
• Kartik Snan (bathing in a river): Bathing in a river is an important ritual during Karthika Month. Rivers receive fresh water during the rainy season, which covers Shravana Masam and Bhadrapada Masam. Since the rivers overflow their banks during that time, river bathing is avoided during Shravana and Bhadrapada. By the time Karthika Masam begins, the rivers have settled, making it a suitable time for this ritual.
• Visiting Shiva temples: Shiva temples hold special pujas and rituals during the month. Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple attracts more than 2 million devotees during Karthika Masam. Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple at Vemulawada in Telangana attracts more than a million devotees. Visiting the five temples known as Shiva Pancharamalu or Pancharama Kshetralu is also observed during the month. Damodarastakam is an important prayer chanted during this time.

Note: In the Hindu calendar, a Tithi (day) can start at any time, so some festival dates may differ slightly. Check a local calendar for exact dates and times.

Karthika Purnima, Gopashtami, Kansa Vadha, Tulsi Vivah, and Bhaiya Dooj are among the most important festivals in Kartik month.

The Amant calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The Purnimant calendar is followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, and Bihar. All festivals fall on the same day according to the Gregorian calendar, regardless of which system is used.

When does Karthika Masa start? In 2023, Karthika Masam started on Tuesday, November 14th, and ended on Tuesday, December 12th.

Why is Karthika Masam special? According to the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, Karthika Masam provides four kinds of benefits: religious, economic, a good marital life, and enlightenment.

Why is Karthika Masam special for Lord Shiva? Karthika Masam is the holiest month to worship Lord Shiva and to do penance for sins committed. It is believed that Lord Shiva killed the Tripura Asuras (three demons) on Karthika Pournami.

When is Karthigai Deepam in 2023? Sunday, November 26th. It is also called Karthika Pournami and Kartik Purnima.

What should we do in Karthika Masam? Karthika Masam is auspicious for both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva devotees. Devotees visit temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and observe fasting and Karthika Masa Vratham, especially on Karthika Somavara days.

• Skanda Sashti -- 10 Nov