Kartika

Overview

Kartika is the eighth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in October or November. The month is among the most spiritually significant of the Hindu year and contains Diwali — the Festival of Lights — on the new moon (amavasya) of the month. Kartika is named after the war-god Kartikeya (also called Murugan or Skanda), and Mondays of the month are particularly sacred to Lord Shiva.

Notable Festivals

Diwali falls on the new moon of Kartika and is observed across five days from Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj. Govardhan Puja, the day after Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan hill. Karva Chauth — the daylong fast observed by married women for their husbands' longevity — falls on the fourth day of the dark fortnight. The full moon of Kartika is observed as Kartik Purnima, one of the most sacred bathing days at Hindu pilgrimage sites along the Ganges.