Kartik Amavasya Festival: Date, Rituals & Significance

In simple terms, Kartik Amavasya is the new moon day during the Hindu month of Kartik. The Hindu lunar calendar has months that don’t exactly match the Gregorian calendar, but Kartik generally overlaps with October and November.

An Amavasya is when the moon is not visible in the sky. While most Amavasyas are considered a time for introspection and certain rituals, Kartik Amavasya is particularly special because it is closely associated with Diwali, the festival of lights.

Significance of Kartik Amavasya

Kartik Amavasya significance is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and spirituality. Here are some of the key reasons why this day is considered important:

• Lakshmi Puja: Kartik Amavasya is the most important day for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Many Hindus perform special Lakshmi Pujas on this day to seek her blessings.
• Diwali: In most parts of India, Kartik Amavasya coincides with the main day of Diwali. This celebration includes lighting lamps, crackers bursting, and an overall festive atmosphere. Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness.
• Spiritual Significance: Amavasya, in general, is considered a time for introspection, prayers, and paying respects to ancestors. Kartik Amavasya carries this forward, with many people engaging in spiritual practices.
• Lord Vishnu: This day is also associated with Lord Vishnu. According to some beliefs, worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day can help one get rid of bad karma and attain moksha (liberation).
• New Beginnings: Because Amavasya marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, Kartik Amavasya, especially with its association with Diwali, symbolises new beginnings and the ushering in of prosperity.

Story Behind Kartik Amavasya

While the connection with Diwali is the most prominent, there are a few stories that highlight the Kartik Amavasya significance:

• Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi: One story says that on this day, Lord Vishnu freed Goddess Lakshmi and other gods from King Bali’s captivity.
• Return of Lord Rama: The most popular story connected to Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing his 14-year exile. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting lamps, which is why we light diyas on Diwali. This return happened on Kartik Amavasya.
• Samudra Manthan: Another story, though less directly tied to Kartik Amavasya, is the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. It is said that Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, appeared with the pot of Amrit during this churning.

What are the Rituals of Kartik Amavasya Puja?

The rituals performed on Kartik Amavasya are closely tied to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the celebration of Diwali. Here are some common practices:

• Lakshmi Puja: This is the most important ritual. Families clean their homes, decorate them with lights and flowers, and perform a special puja to invoke Goddess Lakshmi.
• Lighting Lamps: Lighting diyas (small oil lamps) is a central part of the celebrations. It symbolises the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light and prosperity.
• Offerings: During the puja, devotees offer various items to Goddess Lakshmi, such as sweets, fruits, flowers, and incense.
• Prayers and Mantras: Chanting Lakshmi mantras and singing devotional songs are common practices.
• Visiting Temples: Many people visit temples to offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, and other deities.
• Honouring Ancestors: Amavasya is also a time to remember and honour ancestors. Some people perform rituals or offer prayers for the departed souls.
• Fasting: Some devotees observe a partial or full fast on this day.
• Charity and Donations: Giving to the poor and needy is considered an important part of the day.

In conclusion, Kartik Amavasya is a very important date, especially because of its connection with the Diwali festival.