Karthika Masam 2026 — Sacred Month of Shiva & Vishnu
కార్తీక మాసం 2026 — శివ విష్ణు ఆరాధనా మాసం
Telugu (Amanta): 10 November – 8 December 2026 · Karthika Pournami Nov 24 · Karthika Amavasya Dec 8
Karthika Masam 2026 in the
Telugu / Amanta tradition runs from
Tuesday 10 November
(Karthika Shukla Padyami, day after Deepavali) to
Tuesday 8 December
(Karthika Amavasya) — 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. Anchor days:
Karthika Purnima (Tuesday 24 November), Devuthani Ekadashi (20 Nov), Karthika Deepam (24 Nov).
Note: North Indian (Purnimanta) tradition observes Karthika from
27 October to 24 November 2026 — this page follows the Telugu
(Amanta) convention.
Karthika Somavara 2026 (Telugu Amanta — 4 Mondays)
| Date | Somavara | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, 2026-11-16 | First Karthika Somavara | Begin Karthika Vratham with pre-sunrise bath; light a deepam at sunset and visit a Shiva temple. |
| Mon, 2026-11-23 | Second Karthika Somavara (Vaikuntha Chaturdashi) | Coincides with Vaikuntha Chaturdashi — worship Shiva and Vishnu together. Eve of Karthika Purnima / Deepam. |
| Mon, 2026-11-30 | Third Karthika Somavara | Falls in Karthika Krishna Paksha. Observe strict upavasam; Rudrabhishekam at dawn is ideal. |
| Mon, 2026-12-07 | Fourth (final) Karthika Somavara | Last Somavara before Karthika Amavasya. Conclude the vratam with deepa-daanam and Shiva Sahasranama parayanam. |
Karthika Masam Key Events 2026
| Date | Event | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, 2026-11-10 | Karthika Masam begins (Amanta) | Karthika Shukla Padyami — day after Deepavali Amavasya. Begin the month-long Karthika Vratam. |
| Mon, 2026-11-16 | First Karthika Somavara | Most powerful Shiva-worship day of the month. Upavasam sunrise-to-sunset; light deepam at twilight. |
| Fri, 2026-11-20 | Devuthani Ekadashi | Vishnu awakens from cosmic sleep. Chaturmasya ends; auspicious functions and marriages resume. |
| Sat, 2026-11-21 | Tulsi Vivah / Ekadashi Parana | Ceremonial marriage of Tulsi Devi with Lord Vishnu; break the Ekadashi fast after sunrise. |
| Mon, 2026-11-23 | Vaikuntha Chaturdashi + 2nd Somavara | Rare day when Shiva and Vishnu are worshipped together — falls on the second Karthika Somavara this year. |
| Tue, 2026-11-24 | Karthika Purnima / Karthika Deepam | Peak day of the month. Karthika Deepam at Tiruvannamalai; float deepam on water; sacred bath at dawn. |
| Mon, 2026-11-30 | Third Karthika Somavara | Karthika Krishna Paksha begins. Continue upavasam and Rudrabhishekam at Shiva temples. |
| Fri, 2026-12-04 | Utpanna Ekadashi | The Ekadashi that gave birth to all other Ekadashis — ideal day to begin a lifelong Ekadashi vratam. |
| Mon, 2026-12-07 | Fourth (final) Karthika Somavara | Last Somavara before month-end. Conclude the vratam with deepa-daanam and Shiva Sahasranama parayanam. |
| Tue, 2026-12-08 | Karthika Amavasya — Karthika Masam ends | Final day of the sacred month. Deepa-daanam, pitru-tarpanam and evening lamp-lighting complete the vratam. |
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. In the Telugu / Amanta tradition, Karthika Masam 2026 runs from Tuesday 10 November (Karthika Shukla Padyami, day after Deepavali) to Tuesday 8 December (Karthika Amavasya). In the North Indian / Purnimanta tradition, it runs 27 October to 24 November 2026 — this page follows the Telugu convention.
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, the Telugu / Amanta Karthika Masam has 4 Karthika Somavaras: 16 Nov, 23 Nov, 30 Nov and 7 Dec.
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).