Karthika Pournami 2026: Exact Date, Tithi Timings, 365 Wicks Deepotsavam & Rituals

Karthika Pournami is the spiritual pinnacle of Karthika Masam. Also celebrated as Tripurari Purnima and Dev Deepawali, this sacred full moon day brings thousands of devotees to rivers, shores, and temples for deepotsavam and ritual bathing. In 2026, Karthika Pournami falls on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

Why Karthika Pournami is Observed on Tuesday, November 24

According to traditional Vedic calendar rules, when Purnima tithi prevails at sunrise (Udaya Tithi) and continues through the evening sunset period (Pradosha Kalam), that day is selected for public observances, temple celebrations, and river snanams. Because the full moon tithi starts late Monday night and extends until 8:27 PM on Tuesday evening, all key observances—including the 365 wicks deepam, Jwala Thoranam, and Satyanarayana Swamy vratham—are performed on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

The 365 Wicks Deepam (365 Vathulu): Meaning & Procedure

Lighting a lamp containing 365 thin cotton threads bundled together is one of the most recognizable customs of Karthika Pournami. Symbolically, lighting this single concentrated flame represents making up for any daily lamps a devotee may have missed over the 365 days of the solar year.

Step-by-Step Lighting Procedure

1. Prepare the wick bundle: You can purchase ready-made 365-thread bundles from pooja stores or gently count and bind 365 fine cotton threads using a drop of milk or water.
2. Soaking: Thoroughly soak the entire wick bundle in melted cow ghee or cold-pressed sesame oil for at least thirty minutes prior to lighting. A dry or half-soaked bundle will burn out in seconds or smoke excessively.
3. Base selection: Place the soaked bundle on a sturdy, heat-resistant base. Customarily, devotees place it inside a halved Gooseberry (Usiri kaya), a hollowed raw banana stem slice (arati doppa), or a heavy earthen clay diya.
4. Location: Light the deepam outdoors, on your balcony, or at a temple altar facing East. Avoid placing it indoors directly under wooden ceilings, ceiling fans, or near flammable fabrics.

Jwala Thoranam: The Sacred Fire Gateway

In temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, evening celebrations feature the Jwala Thoranam. Priests string a canopy of dry grass or straw between two tall wooden poles outside the temple entrance. At Pradosha Kalam, the straw rope is lit into a blazing arch, and the processional deities of Shiva and Parvati are carried underneath three times. Devotees then walk beneath the embers or collect a pinch of the sacred ash (bhasma) to apply on their foreheads for protection.

Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham

Karthika Pournami is regarded as the most auspicious full moon of the year for performing the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham. Devotees prepare wheat rava prasadam (prasadam made with roasted semolina, sugar, ghee, banana, and milk) and invite family members to listen to the five chapters of the Vratha Katha.

For more details on fasting schedules and upcoming festival timings, refer to our Karthika Masam 2026 Guide and check the PujaPanchang Karthika Pournami Festival Page.