What is Kartik Purnima, and how do I explain it to my child?

Kartik Purnima is the full-moon night of the month of Kartik, when families light diyas, bathe in rivers and remember Lord Shiva. It is also called Dev Diwali, the "Diwali of the gods", because tradition says the devatas celebrate with lamps on this night.

The story of Shiva and Tripurasura

In the traditional account, three powerful asuras ruled three flying cities called Tripura. They became so proud that they troubled the devatas and the people below. The devatas asked Lord Shiva for help, and Shiva, on this full-moon night, ended the three cities and brought peace. That is why Shiva is also called Tripurari. The devatas were so happy that they lit lamps everywhere.

Source: traditional account, found in the Puranas. Retellings vary in detail.

Why it matters

Light and kindness win over pride and trouble.

How to tell it by age

Ages 2–3 (Bal): "Tonight the moon is big and round. We light little diyas and say thank you to Shiv ji." Let your child hold a safe LED lamp and clap when it glows.

Ages 3–6 (Jigyasu): "Some proud giants troubled everyone. Shiv ji stopped them, and the gods lit lamps to celebrate. Now we light lamps too." Ask: "Which lamp is your favourite?"

Ages 6–10 (Shishya): Share the story of Tripura and add that Kartik Purnima is also a day for a holy dip, for giving food or clothes, and in Sikh families for Guru Nanak Jayanti. Ask: "Why do you think people share light with others?"

What families do on Kartik Purnima

• Light diyas at home, at the temple and, where it is safe, along a river or pond. In Varanasi, the ghats glow with lakhs of lamps.
• Take a holy bath at dawn, or wash and put on clean clothes at home.
• Give food, warm clothes or sweets to people in need.
• Keep a simple fast or eat a light, pure meal, as the family custom goes.

How children can join in

• Help arrange diyas on a plate and decorate with flowers or rangoli.
• Hum "Om Namah Shivaya" together.
• Make a small kindness list for the day.
• Keep a grown-up beside the flame, and use LED diyas for the youngest.

Questions parents ask

When is Kartik Purnima in 2026?

It falls in November, after Diwali and around the time of Chhath. Dates differ slightly by city, so check this year's panchang.

Is Dev Diwali the same as Diwali?

No. Diwali is on the new-moon night and celebrates Shri Ram's return and Lakshmi ji. Dev Diwali comes about two weeks later, on the full moon, and is linked to Shiva. Read how families mark Chhath Puja in the same season.

Do children need to fast?

No. Fasting is for adults who choose it. Children can simply join the lamps, stories and songs.

Is it only for Shiva devotees?

Many families also honour Vishnu on this day, and Sikh families celebrate Guru Nanak's birth. You can share whichever tradition is yours.

For another bright winter festival, see Makar Sankranti.

Hear it on Pratham Pranam

Hear festival stories, mantras and aartis in Hindi and English on the festival pages: https://www.prathampranam.com/festivals.

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