The Hindu calendar marks October 8, 2025, as the beginning of the revered month of Kartik, which will continue until November 5, ending with Kartik Purnima. Regarded as one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu Panchang, Kartik is celebrated widely across India for its deep spiritual and cultural importance. The month is associated with numerous festivals and rituals, offering devotees an opportunity to embrace devotion, discipline, and charity.
Several key festivals are observed during this period, including Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja, and Dev Uthani Ekadashi. These events hold significant spiritual weight and are celebrated with fervor, drawing communities together in prayer and festive cheer.
Devotees honor multiple deities throughout Kartik month, such as Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Surya Dev, Lord Kartikeya, and others. The month also coincides with Sharad Ritu, the autumn season, considered highly beneficial for health and wellness. Traditional scriptures recommend dietary and lifestyle adjustments during this period, including consuming warm seasonal foods, sleeping on the floor, avoiding certain foods like pulses, beans, and brinjal, and focusing on immunity-boosting items such as saffron milk and root vegetables.
Kartik is also renowned for its seven sacred practices. Lighting lamps, or Deepdan, near rivers, ponds, temples, and sacred trees is considered highly auspicious, granting eternal merit. Holy baths before sunrise, ideally in rivers or with Ganga Jal, are believed to cleanse sins and prevent illnesses. The month encourages meditation, prayer, mantra recitation, charity, self-restraint, and consumption of Tulsi leaves with water to maintain spiritual and physical well-being.
The month’s name honors Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who vanquished the demon Tarakasura during this period, establishing divine victory over evil.
Major festivals and observances in Kartik 2025 include Karwa Chauth (October 10), Ahoi Ashtami (October 13), Rama Ekadashi / Govatsa Dwadashi (October 17), Dhanteras / Yam Deepdan (October 18), Hanuman Jayanti (October 19), Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi (October 20), Kartik Amavasya (October 21), Annakut / Govardhan Puja (October 22), Bhai Dooj (October 23), Chhath Mahaparv (October 27), Akshaya Kushmanda Navami (October 31), Dev Uthani Ekadashi (November 1), and concluding with Kartik Purnima (November 5). This month offers devotees a holistic blend of spiritual enrichment, cultural celebration, and personal well-being.
