About Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali)
The full moon of the Kartik month — one of the holiest days, celebrated as Dev Diwali (Festival of Lights of the Gods) in Varanasi with illuminated ghats.
Significance
Lord Shiva is said to have slain the demon Tripurasura on this day — hence also known as Tripuri Purnima. In Varanasi, hundreds of thousands of diyas are lit on the Ganga ghats as the gods are said to descend to celebrate. Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on this day.
Rituals & Observances
- ✦Deep daan — floating clay diyas in the Ganga, Yamuna or any river
- ✦Dev Diwali celebrations on Varanasi ghats (1,000s of diyas)
- ✦Ritual bathing in sacred rivers at sunrise
- ✦Tulsi Vivah — the ceremonial marriage of Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu
- ✦Temple visits and lighting of 108 diyas at home
- ✦Dev Diwali boat processions in Varanasi
Shiva Temples to Visit
View all →Shree Nageshwar Mahadev Mandir Va Pyavu Lalita Ji Joshi (pujari)
Sati Mata Mandir, Shiv Mandir Rd, opp. Police Line Road
Tarkeshwar ji , Mahadev ji
Chaura Rasta Rd, near Tripoli's gate
Shiva Temple by Shri Vithal Shetty
Bishop Compund, Shri Vithal Shetty House, Shri Vithal Dasu Shetty Lane
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali) in 2026?▾
Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali) 2026 falls on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Note that festival dates may vary by 1–2 days by region — verify with a local panchangam.
Why is Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali) celebrated?▾
Lord Shiva is said to have slain the demon Tripurasura on this day — hence also known as Tripuri Purnima. In Varanasi, hundreds of thousands of diyas are lit on the Ganga ghats as the gods are said to descend to celebrate. Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on this day.
What are the main rituals of Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali)?▾
Deep daan — floating clay diyas in the Ganga, Yamuna or any river. Dev Diwali celebrations on Varanasi ghats (1,000s of diyas). Ritual bathing in sacred rivers at sunrise.
Which temples are best to visit on Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali)?▾
The best temples to visit on Kartik Purnima (Dev Diwali) are those dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. See the temple listings below for top-rated options near you.
Festival dates are approximate and based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Actual dates may vary by 1–2 days by region. Verify with a local panchangam.