Kartika Month Festivals

Kartik Month

Kartik month is considered to be the 8th Lunar month in the Hindu calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar, this month falls between October/November.

The lunar month is observed by two methods in the Hindu calendar. In the 1st method, the Lunar month marks its presence from Purnima to Purnima which is known as the Purnimanta calendar whereas in another method Lunar month is marked from Amavasya to Amavasya which is known as the Amanta calendar. 

Some important festivals of Kartik Month are Karwa Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami, Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Bhaiya Dooj.

List of Kartik Month Festivals

• Karwa Chauth- On the occasion of Karwa Chauth, married women fast for the well-being, safety, and prosperity of their husbands. The fast is observed throughout the day from sunrise to moonrise.
• Ahoi Ashtami- Mothers observe fast during this day for the safety and well-being of their children. This occasion is majorly popular in the northern states of India.
• Rama Ekadashi- This vrat is kept to seek blessings and appease Lord Vishnu. Rama Ekadashi is one of the 24 vrats of Ekadashi.
• Dhanteras- Dhanteras marks the beginning of the 5 days festivity of Diwali. This day is also known as Dhantrayodashi and people worship Goddess Lakshmi along with the god of Kuber. 
• Narak Chaturdashi- This day is also known as the Roop Chaudas or kali Chuadas. On this day Lord Krishna defeated the devil Narakasura.
• Lakshmi Puja- Lakshmi Puja is the preeminent day of the entire 5 days Diwali festivity as it is performed on all 5 days. 
• Govardhan Puja- Lord Krishna defeated Indra on this day. Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut puja and it is also observed New Year Day in some regions of India.
• Bhaiya Dooj Puja- On this occasion, sisters pray for the well-being and prosperous life of their brothers. Sisters perform tika ceremonies and brothers offer their sisters gifts in return. 
• Chhath Puja- The almighty Sun, the Surya Devta is worshipped during this occasion for progress and well-being.
• Gopashtami- This occasion is popular in Braj areas like Mathura, Vrindavan. Gopashtami falls on Ashtami Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha.
• Kansa Vadh- On this day Lord Krishna defeated the devil Kansa and later Ugrasena was declared the king of Mathura. 
• Devutthana Ekadashi- This vrat is held to appease Lord Vishnu as Devutthana Ekadashi is one of the major vrat of Ekadashi. 
• Tulsi Vivah- This day is celebrated as the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (aka holy basil) to Krishna, the Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Next hindu month is margashirsha visit the list of margashirsha month festivals.