8th

Kartik

కార్తిక

Telugu

Oct 12–Nov 11 Lunar Scorpio (♏)

Major Festivals

Diwali / Deepavali

దీపావలి

Late Oct–Early Nov

Festival of Lights, celebrated with oil lamps (diyas), fireworks, new clothes, and sweets. Celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana and Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Most widely celebrated Hindu festival.

Govardhan Puja

గోవర్ధన పూజ

Day after Diwali

Celebrates Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain. Devotees create cow-dung hills and walk around them. Offers thanks for livestock and agricultural abundance.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Kartik Amavasai (New moon) — Diwali, the most auspicious day of the year (only day matching Vijayadashami's auspiciousness)

✓ Kartik Pournami (Full moon) — Guru Nanak's birth celebration, highly auspicious for spiritual practices

About Kartik

Kartik is the festival month of Diwali (Deepavali)—the Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival across Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. Kartik (Scorpio) energy represents transformation, mystery, and inner illumination. Diwali marks the New Year in many Indian communities and is the most auspicious day for new business launches and major purchases (equal to Vijayadashami and Akshaya Tritiya in auspiciousness). Post-Diwali, Govardhan Puja thanks Krishna and celebrates livestock prosperity. Diaspora entrepreneurs synchronize IPO filings, product launches, home purchases, and business registrations with Diwali. Investment portfolios see increased activity pre-Diwali. Many diaspora families light lamps (diyas) at home altars on Diwali evening (coordinating with India's Diwali time via IST calendars), connecting spiritually with ancestors and ancestors' homes thousands of miles away.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 falls on November 8, 2026 (Kartik Amavasai new moon). The exact date shifts yearly between mid-October and mid-November based on the lunar calendar. Diwali is celebrated on the new moon (Amavasya) of Kartik month, lasting five days with different meanings each day (Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja/Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj).

Why is Diwali called the Festival of Lights?

Diwali celebrates the victory of light (good, knowledge, hope) over darkness (evil, ignorance, despair). Traditionally, devotees light oil lamps (diyas) to welcome this divine light into homes. The lamps symbolize the inner light of the soul (Atman) and the triumph of righteousness (Dharma). Modern celebrations include electric lights, candles, and fireworks, but the symbolism remains: illuminating darkness and celebrating good's ultimate victory.

How do diaspora Hindus celebrate Diwali globally?

Diaspora communities celebrate Diwali with elaborate home decorations, light displays rivaling Christmas, family feasts, and the preparation of traditional sweets and savories. Temples host Lakshmi Pujas and fireworks displays. Community centers organize Diwali melas (fairs) with cultural performances. Professional offices hold Diwali parties and recognize the festival as a company-wide celebration. Many participate in charitable giving on Diwali to honor the festival's emphasis on compassion. Video calls with family in India allow simultaneous lighting of lamps across time zones.

View Kartik in Other Languages

Tamil Hindi Kannada Gujarati Rajasthani