Karthika Masam 2026 — Sacred Month of Shiva & Vishnu
కార్తీక మాసం 2026 — శివ విష్ణు ఆరాధనా మాసం
October 17 - November 25, 2026 · 6 Karthika Somavaras · Karthika Purnima Nov 24
Karthika Masam 2026 runs from October 17 to November 25 — the 8th lunar month and the most sacred month of the Hindu year for combined Shiva and Vishnu worship. Daily observances: cold-water sunrise bath, single meal per day, deepam at twilight, temple visits, scripture recitation. Major events: Devuthani Ekadashi (Oct 31) ends Chaturmasya; Diwali (Nov 8); Karthika Purnima / Dev Diwali (Nov 24).
Karthika Somavara 2026 — All 6 Mondays
| Date | Somavara | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 | First Karthika Somavara | Begin Karthika Vratham with morning bath in sacred water; light a deepam at sunset. |
| 2026-10-26 | Second Karthika Somavara | Karva Chauth falls today. Married women observe additional vrat for husband's longevity. |
| 2026-11-02 | Third Karthika Somavara (Sankashti) | Combines with Sankashti Chaturthi — exceptionally powerful. Worship Shiva + Ganesha. |
| 2026-11-09 | Fourth Karthika Somavara (Govardhan) | Follows Diwali. Govardhan Puja celebrates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. |
| 2026-11-16 | Fifth Karthika Somavara | Observance peak — strict fasting recommended. |
| 2026-11-23 | Sixth Karthika Somavara (Vaikuntha Chaturdashi eve) | Day before Karthika Purnima. Visit Shiva temple in evening. |
Karthika Masam Key Events 2026
| Date | Event | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-17 | Karthika Masa begins | First day of the sacred month — Karthika Shukla Pratipada. |
| 2026-10-31 | Devuthani Ekadashi | Vishnu awakens from cosmic sleep. Chaturmasya ends. Marriages resume. |
| 2026-11-08 | Diwali / Karthika Amavasya | Lakshmi Puja day. Light deepam in every room at twilight. |
| 2026-11-19 | Vaikuntha Chaturdashi | Worship Vishnu and Shiva together. Bridge between two traditions. |
| 2026-11-24 | Karthika Purnima (Dev Diwali) | Most sacred full moon. Float lamps on water. Worship in Tulsi Vivah. |
| 2026-11-25 | Karthika Masa ends | Final day of the sacred month. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karthika Masam?
Karthika Masam is the 8th lunar month in the Hindu calendar — considered the most sacred month for Lord Vishnu and Shiva worship. It falls roughly from mid-October to mid-November. In 2026, Karthika Masam runs from October 17 to November 25. Telugu tradition gives this month exceptional spiritual importance.
What is Karthika Somavara?
Each Monday in Karthika Masam is called Karthika Somavara — the most powerful Shiva worship day. Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, visit Shiva temples, perform abhishekam, and light deepam at twilight. In 2026, there are 6 Karthika Somavaras.
What is Karthika Deepam?
Karthika Deepam refers to the practice of lighting deepams (oil lamps) every evening throughout Karthika Masam — at home, in temples, and floating on water bodies. The lamps symbolize the inner light of consciousness and Lord Shiva's presence.
When is Karthika Purnima 2026?
Karthika Purnima 2026 (also called Dev Diwali) falls on Tuesday, November 24. This is the most sacred full moon of the year. Float lamps on rivers (Ganga, Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari), perform special worship of Shiva and Vishnu, and observe night vigils.
What are the do's and don'ts of Karthika Masam?
Do: take cold baths at sunrise, eat only one meal per day, donate food, visit temples daily, light deepam at twilight, recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Shri Rudram, perform tulsi puja. Avoid: meat, onion, garlic, alcohol, late-night eating, anger, lying, sexual indulgence (for strict observance).