Kartika Month 2025: Rituals.Muhurat and Deep Dan customs

The Magic of Kartik: A month of Light and Awakening

As the last of the monsoon clouds drift away and the golden leaves begin to dance in the cool autumn breeze, a quiet excitement fills the air. In every home, small earthen lamps are cleaned and readied, their wicks waiting to be lit. Grandmothers hum ancient hymns, children help arrange diyas, and the faint scent of incense mingles with the glow of twilight.

This marks the arrival of Kartik Month — a time of light, devotion, and inner transformation. For centuries, Hindus across the world have awaited this sacred month with hearts full of faith. Kartik is not just a date on the calendar; it is a divine opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign with our higher selves.

It’s a season where the simplest acts — lighting a lamp, offering a prayer, or chanting a divine name — become pathways to deep spiritual joy. In the gentle glow of each diya, one can feel the whisper of the divine, reminding us that even in life’s darkest corners, light always prevails.

As this sacred time unfolds in 2025, the month of Kartik begins on October 8th and concludes on November 5th. It is during these few weeks that devotion deepens, and every act of faith becomes more potent. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Kartik is often called the “month of light and mercy,” when the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiv are most easily attained.

Throughout this month, devotees wake before sunrise to bathe in holy waters, light rows of diyas at dusk, and chant divine names — transforming ordinary routines into sacred offerings. Every lamp lit is said to wash away sins, every prayer offered brings peace, and every act of charity shines a little more light into the world.

So, whether you're seeking a deeper connection to your spiritual path, looking for ways to celebrate Kartik meaningfully, or simply curious about its rich history and rituals, this guide will walk you through the dates, rituals, customs, and the practice of Deep Dān — all while reflecting on the teachings of Swami Mukundananda.

Get ready to light up your world in more ways than one, as we embark on this beautiful journey through Kartika Month 2025!

According to common Hindu panchang calendars, the lunar month of Kartik in 2025 begins on 8 October 2025 (Wednesday) and ends on 5 November 2025 (Wednesday).

1. Start date, end date & muhurats for Kartik Month 2025

Event	Date	Time (IST)
Start of Kartika Month	8 October 2025 (Wednesday)	–
Kartika Purnima (Full Moon)	5 November 2025 (Wednesday)	Purnima Tithi: 10:36 PM (4 Nov) to 6:48 PM (5 Nov)
Ideal Muhurta for Deep Dān	5 November 2025 (Wednesday)	Best time for lamp lighting after sunset; Brahma Muhurta early morning

Why the Start Matters

Understanding the start date is important because many of the rituals of Kartik are cumulative (e.g., lighting a lamp each night, special fasts, bathing on certain lunar days). Beginning early ensures one can partake of the full spiritual “window”. Additionally, knowing muhurats (auspicious timings) helps time your devotional practices for maximal benefit.

✨ Rituals and Customs of Kartik Month

Kartik is a time when every day feels like a festival of devotion. The air is filled with the fragrance of incense, the sound of temple bells, and the soft glow of thousands of lamps illuminating streets, homes, and hearts. Each ritual during this month is designed to purify the mind and open the heart to divine love.

🌅 1. Early Morning Bath (Kartik Snan)

"Early morning bath ( Kartik Snan before sunrise)"

Devotees begin their day with a holy bath before sunrise, known as Kartik Snan. Traditionally done in sacred rivers or ponds, it symbolizes cleansing both body and soul. Even at home, offering a prayer before your bath can create a deeply spiritual start to your day.

🪔 2. Lighting of Lamps (Deep Dān)

The highlight of Kartika Month is Deep Dān, the offering of lamps. As the sun sets, devotees light diyas in temples, courtyards, and along riverbanks — filling the night with a golden radiance. Each flame represents the light of knowledge that dispels darkness and ignorance. Lighting a lamp daily during Kartik is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.

🌿 3. Worship of Tulsi (Tulsi Poojan and Tulsi Vivah)

Tulsi, the sacred basil plant, holds a special place during Kartik. Devotees offer lamps and prayers to Tulsi Mata, especially on Tulsi Vivah, which marks the symbolic wedding of Tulsi and Lord Vishnu. This festival beautifully celebrates purity, devotion, and the harmony of divine union.

🙏 4. Fasting and Charity (Dāna and Tapasya)

Many devotees observe fasts or eat simple, sattvic food throughout the month. Acts of charity — donating lamps, food, or clothing — are highly auspicious. The essence lies not in strictness but in sincerity; even small offerings made with love carry immense spiritual merit.

🎶 5. Devotional Singing and Reading Scriptures

Kartik evenings often echo with bhajans and kirtans. Reading the Bhagavad Gita, Damodar Leela, or Vishnu Sahasranama during this month brings peace and clarity. These sacred texts remind us that true light is not found outside, but within.

Prayer for Kartik month

Damodarashtakam (for offering a ghee lamp)

This is the most important prayer for the Kartik season, also known as Damodar month. It narrates the divine pastime of Shree Krishna being bound with a rope by his mother, Yashoda. Reciting this eight-verse prayer while offering a ghee lamp is a central practice

Damodarashtakam prayer

This eight-verse prayer was spoken by the sage Satyavrata Muni and is highly recommended for daily recitation during Kartik.

Verse 1: Sanskrit

नमामीश्वरं सच्चिदानन्दरूपंलसत्कुण्डलं गोकुले भ्राजमानम्।यशोदाभियोलूखलाद्धावमानंपरामृष्टमत्यन्ततो द्रुत्य गोप्या।।

Translation

I bow to the supreme controller, who has an eternal form of bliss and knowledge. He is illuminated by glistening earrings and radiates beauty in Gokula. He ran from the fear of Mother Yashoda, but she quickly chased and caught him after He jumped down from the wooden mortar.

Major Festivals Within Kartik

The celebrations of Diwali often fall into Kartika month (depending on calendar tradition) and set off the “light-fest” mood.
Kartika Purnima itself is celebrated as Dev Deepavali / Tripuri Purnima.
Tripuri Purnima: Celebrates Lord Shiva's victory over a demon.
Guru Nanak Jayanti: In Sikhism, this day marks the birth of Guru Nanak.

Chhath Puja: This is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

Chhath Puja 2025

The Vibe and Spirit of the Month

Kartik is often described as a “month of light” — both literally and metaphorically. The lighting of lamps signifies the illumination of the soul, dispelling ignorance, bondage, darkness. It is a time of higher receptivity — spiritual disciplines done in this month are believed to yield greater return.
Devotees speak of increased devotion, inner stillness, settlement of the mind, connection with the eternal. The month invites one to step out of routine-busyness and enter into deeper remembrance.

🪔 The Sacred Glow of Deep Dān: Lighting the Lamp Within

How to perform Deep Dān – A Step-by-Step Guide

Step	What to Do	Meaning / Purpose
1. Prepare the Space	Clean your prayer area or a peaceful corner of your home. Place a Tulsi plant or a small image of Lord Vishnu/Krishna nearby.	A clean space symbolizes inner purity and readiness for devotion.
2. Arrange the Diya	Use an earthen or metal lamp (diya). Fill it with ghee or sesame oil and place a cotton wick.	The lamp represents your heart — ready to hold divine light.
3. Set an Intention	Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and pray silently — dedicate the act for peace, love, or spiritual growth.	Aligns your mind with the divine purpose of the ritual.
4. Light the Lamp (Deep Dán)	Light the diya at dusk (preferably facing east). Offer it before the deity or Tulsi plant while chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya” or the Damodaraṣṭakam prayer.	The flame represents knowledge dispelling darkness and ego.
5. Offer Flowers or Incense	Place a small offering of flowers, incense, or sandalwood near the lamp.	Adds fragrance and beauty to your devotion.
6. Meditate on the Flame	Sit quietly for a few moments watching the lamp’s light. Reflect on gratitude and divine love.	Helps you absorb peace and stillness — the essence of Kartika.
7. Conclude with Prayer	Fold your hands and offer a closing prayer: “May this light guide my heart toward truth and devotion.”	Seals your intention and completes the offering with humility.

As twilight descends during Kartik Month, the world begins to shimmer with a soft, golden light. From humble homes to grand temples, thousands of diyas flicker in devotion — each flame telling a silent story of love, faith, and surrender. This is the magic of Deep Dān — the sacred act of offering light.

🌸 The Story Behind Deep Dān

"Mother Yashoda's Pure love binds the infinite Lord Krishna."

According to ancient scriptures, when Lord Krishna performed his divine childhood pastimes during the month of Kartik, Mother Yashoda tied him to a mortar with love — symbolizing the binding of the infinite by devotion. To honor this divine leela, devotees light lamps throughout the month, expressing their wish to bind the Lord within their hearts through pure love.

Deep Dān is not just about lighting an earthen lamp; it is about illuminating the darkness within us — removing anger, greed, and ignorance, and inviting peace, compassion, and devotion.

🔥 The Spiritual Essence

Each diya you light is more than a ritual — it’s a prayer made visible. The flame represents knowledge, the wick represents faith, and the oil represents ego being consumed by devotion. As the lamp burns, it silently teaches us to let go of pride and let our light shine humbly and steadily.

Lighting a lamp daily during Kartika is said to invite the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The Skanda Purana mentions that even one lamp offered with pure devotion during this month equals the merit of performing great austerities.

🕯️ Different Forms of Deep Dān

"Tulsi Deep Dan, lighting lamp near the sacred Tulsi."

Tulsi Deep Dān – Lighting a lamp near the sacred Tulsi plant is believed to purify the home and invite divine grace.
Temple Deep Dān – Offering diyas in temples strengthens one’s faith and devotion.
Riverbank Deep Dān – Floating lamps on rivers or lakes symbolizes surrender to the divine flow of life.
Community Deep Dān – Lighting lamps collectively with others spreads unity, joy, and shared spiritual energy.

💫 A Moment of Reflection

When you light your lamp, pause for a moment. Feel the warmth, watch the flame dance, and whisper a silent prayer:

“May this light remove all darkness from my heart and the world.”

In that moment, you are not merely performing a ritual — you are kindling a connection between the earthly and the eternal, reminding yourself that the divine light you seek is already within you

Why is Deep Dān especially auspicious in Kartik?

Deep daan (the offering of lamps) is especially important during the holy month of Kartik because spiritual merits are amplified exponentially during this time. Kartik is considered the most auspicious of all months, and acts of devotion, such as offering a lamp to Lord Vishnu or Krishna (also known as Lord Damodara), are believed to grant immense spiritual benefits. Significance during Kartik

Washing away sins: According to scriptures like the Skanda Purana, offering a lamp to Lord Vishnu during Kartik can destroy sins accumulated over many lifetimes. The light from the lamp symbolizes the triumph of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance.
Pleasing Lord Krishna (Damodara): Kartik is also known as Damodara month, which commemorates the pastime of Mother Yashoda binding Lord Krishna with a rope. By offering a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara with sincere devotion, one can please the Lord and form a personal connection with him.
Triumph of light over darkness: The lighting of a lamp symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. It represents the illumination of the heart with divine love.
Spiritual progress: The increased potency of Kartik month means that any act of devotion is multiplied many times over. Therefore, deep dan and other spiritual practices performed during this month lead to greater spiritual growth.

Mantras traditionally recited during Deep Dān (lamp offering)

"Om Dipajyotir Brahma Namah"
(Translation: "I bow to the divine light, representing the Supreme Brahman.")
"Om Shubham Karoti Kalyanam"
(Translation: "I bow to the light that brings auspiciousness and prosperity.")
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
(Translation: "I bow in reverence to Lord Vishnu, the all-pervading divine light.")
"Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya"
(Translation: "Lead me from darkness to light.")
"Om Dipajyotir Namo Namah"
(Translation: "Salutations to the divine light of the lamp.")
"Om Namah Shivaya, Om Dipajyotir Namah"
(Translation: "I bow to Lord Shiva and the divine light of the lamp.")

🌼 Integrating Swami Mukundananda’s Teachings in Deep Dān

Aspect of Deep Dān	Swami Mukundananda’s Teaching	Practical Integration During Kartika
Inner Light over Outer Ritual	"Physical devotion is not enough; the mind must be absorbed in thinking of God."	Focus your thoughts on divine love as you light each lamp. Let the flame remind you of God’s presence.
Transforming Habit into Devotion	"Repeating feelings to the mind turns them into an attitude."	Make Deep Dān a daily ritual, building devotion through repetition.
Selfless Service	"Devotion is incomplete without selfless service."	Share lamps with neighbors or temples to multiply the light of seva (service).
Gratitude and Humility	"Gratitude is the highest form of positivity after selfless love."	Whisper a prayer of thanks before offering the lamp for light, life, and love.
The Power of Bhakti (Love for God)	"Even the Infinite is bound by the love of a pure devotee."	Remember Deep Dān symbolizes Yashoda’s love, binding God through devotion, not duty.

🌙 Closing Reflection: Lighting the Lamp Within

As the final lamps of Kartik Month flicker in the evening breeze, their golden glow reminds us that every act of devotion — no matter how small — has the power to transform our hearts. Deep Dān is more than lighting a diya; it is the illumination of our inner world. Each flame whispers a timeless truth: the divine light we seek outside already burns within us.

Swami Mukundananda beautifully teaches that true spirituality lies not in the outer ritual but in the awakening of love and gratitude within the soul. When we light a lamp with sincerity, we are in fact kindling the flame of bhakti (devotion) — the same love that bound the Infinite Lord to the heart of Mother Yashoda. Through faith, humility, and selfless service, we turn a simple moment into a sacred connection with the Divine.

“When we let the light of devotion within, the darkness of ignorance disappears forever.” — Swamiji

May your Kartik journey in 2025 be a beacon of light for yourself and the

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FAQs

1. What is Kartika Month and why is it important?

Kartika Month is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. It is a time for devotion, spiritual growth, and purification. The month is filled with rituals like lamp lighting (Deep Dān), prayers, and fasting, aimed at seeking divine blessings and connecting with the higher self.

2. When does Kartika Month start in 2025?

Kartika Month in 2025 begins on October 8th and ends on November 5th. The month is marked by a special focus on devotion, with Kartika Purnima (the full moon) falling on November 5th, which is the most auspicious day for rituals like Deep Dān.

3. What is Deep Dān, and why is it practiced during Kartika?

Deep Dān is the practice of donating or lighting oil lamps as an offering to the divine. It is believed that lighting lamps during Kartika Month brings spiritual light, removes ignorance, and brings blessings for peace and prosperity. The act holds special significance on Kartika Purnima.

4. How can I perform Deep Dān at home?

To perform Deep Dān at home, light an oil lamp in a clean and sacred space (like near a deity or Tulsi plant). Set a positive intention, offer prayers, and reflect on the inner light. Consistency is key — light your lamp daily to enhance the spiritual benefits.

5. Can I observe Kartika Month even if I’m new to the rituals?

Yes, anyone can observe Kartika Month, regardless of their experience. Start by lighting a lamp, offering simple prayers, and focusing on gratitude and devotion. The month is about deepening your connection with the divine, and even small actions can have significant spiritual impact.

Reference

Scriptural and spiritual texts

Padma Purana: This scripture hails Kartik as the "best of all months" and contains stories and verses that glorify devotional acts performed during this period, particularly those for Lord Krishna (often called Damodar) and Tulsi Devi.
Skanda Purana: Cited as an original source detailing the virtues of the Kartik month (also known as Damodar Maas), the Skanda Purana declares there is "no month like the month of Kartik".
Hari-bhakti Vilasa: An important Vaishnava text that details the rituals for Kartik, such as offering ghee lamps while singing the Damodarastakam.

Read blogs on Kartik Purnima

Read: Kartik Purnima 2025 — JKYOG Blog Read: Kartik Purnima 2025 — Radha Krishna Temple Blog

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