Karthika Masam 2025 for UK Hindus: Complete Guide with City-Wise Timings

Introduction

Karthika Masam 2025 brings one of the most spiritually significant periods in the Hindu calendar to the thriving British Hindu community. Whether you’re in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, or anywhere across England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to observe this sacred month with accurate timings, temple information, and practical advice for balancing tradition with British life.

With over 1 million Hindus calling the UK home and more than 187 Hindu temples across England alone, the British Hindu community represents one of the most vibrant diaspora populations in Europe. This guide helps you celebrate Karthika Masam while embracing both your Hindu heritage and British identity.

Karthika Masam 2025: Key Dates and UK Time Zone Information

Official Dates

• Start Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
• End Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
• Duration: 30 days
• Telugu Year: Viswavasu Nama Samvatsaram (Shaka Samvatsaram 1947)

Understanding UK Time Zones for Karthika Masam

The United Kingdom observes a single time zone across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but switches between two systems during the year.

Time Changes During Karthika Masam 2025

October 22-26: British Summer Time (BST) – UTC+1

• Clocks are one hour ahead of GMT
• More evening daylight for pujas

October 26, 2025: Clocks change at 2:00 AM – Fall back 1 hour

• BST ends on the last Sunday of October
• Return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• This occurs during Karthika Masam!

October 26-November 20: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – UTC+0

• Standard time for winter
• Earlier sunset times

IMPORTANT: The time change happens right in the middle of Karthika Masam observance, affecting morning and evening puja timings.

Brahma Muhurta Timings for UK

October 22-26 (BST Period)

• Brahma Muhurta: 4:45 AM – 6:15 AM BST
• Sunrise: Approximately 7:30 AM BST

October 26-November 20 (GMT Period – After Clock Change)

• Brahma Muhurta: 4:00 AM – 5:30 AM GMT
• Sunrise: Approximately 6:45 AM GMT (progressively later)
• By November 20: Sunrise around 7:20 AM GMT

Remember: You gain an extra hour on October 26! Perfect for extended spiritual practice that morning.

What is Karthika Masam?

Karthika Masam, also known as Kartik Month or Kartika Masa, is the eighth month in the Telugu lunar calendar and one of the four holiest months (Chaturmasyas) in Hinduism. Named after the Krittika Nakshatra (constellation), this sacred month is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Kartikeya (Murugan, Subramanya).

Spiritual Significance

This month holds profound importance in Hindu tradition:

1. Divine Multiplier: Spiritual practices performed during Karthika Masam yield exponentially greater merit
2. Light Over Darkness: Daily lamp lighting symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance
3. Liberation Path: Ancient scriptures designate this as supreme time for moksha (spiritual liberation)
4. Triple Blessings: Worship of Shiva, Vishnu, and Kartikeya together
5. Karmic Cleansing: Purification of accumulated negative karma

Scriptural Authority

The significance is documented in major Hindu texts:

• Skanda Purana: Extensively praises Karthika Masam as ideal for Shiva and Kartikeya worship
• Padma Purana: Details the immense benefits of Karthika Snanam (holy bathing) and Deepa Daanam (lamp offering)
• Narada Purana: Outlines specific rituals and spiritual disciplines
• Bhagavad Gita: Referenced during daily scripture reading this month
• Bhagavatam: Particularly Damodarastakam and Gajendra Moksha passages

Major Festivals During Karthika Masam 2025

Complete Festival Calendar (UK Times)

All dates follow UK calendar dates (midnight local time) unless specified otherwise.

October 22, 2025 (Wednesday) – Karthika Masam Begins

• Still on BST (UTC+1)
• Bali Pratipada
• Govardhan Puja
• Gujarati New Year (Vikram Samvat 2082)
• First day of sacred month

October 23, 2025 (Thursday)

• BST
• Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj)
• Siblings celebrate their bond
• Exchange gifts and sweets

October 26, 2025 (Sunday) – CLOCK CHANGE DAY 

• 2:00 AM: Clocks fall back to GMT
• BST ends, GMT begins
• Extra hour for spiritual practice!
• Adjust all subsequent timings

October 27, 2025 (Monday) – First Karthika Somavaram

• Now on GMT (UTC+0)
• Special Monday fast for Lord Shiva
• Temple abhishekams typically 6:00-7:00 AM GMT
• Evening programs 6:00-8:00 PM GMT

November 1-2, 2025 (Saturday-Sunday)

• Prabodhini Ekadasi (Kartik Ekadasi)
• Lord Vishnu awakens from Yoga Nidra
• Tulsi Vivah begins
• Many temples celebrate over the weekend
• Check local temple for specific day

November 3, 2025 (Monday) – Second Karthika Somavaram

• GMT
• Continued Monday observances
• Shiva Abhishekam at temples
• Fasting and prayers

November 5, 2025 (Wednesday)

• Naga Chaturthi (Nagula Chavithi)
• Serpent deity worship
• Special significance for Naga devotees

November 6, 2025 (Thursday)

• Naga Panchami
• Continuation of serpent worship
• Offerings to Naga deities

November 10, 2025 (Monday) – Third Karthika Somavaram

• GMT
• Monday Shiva worship
• Three-quarters through the month

November 15, 2025 (Saturday) – Kartika Purnima 

• GRAND FINALE – Most Important Day
• Full Moon celebration
• Lighting of 365 lamps (traditional)
• Deepotsavam at all temples
• Birth of Lord Kartikeya
• All-day fasting and special pujas
• Moonrise approximately 4:50 PM GMT
• Major temple celebrations evening onwards

November 17, 2025 (Monday) – Fourth Karthika Somavaram

• GMT
• Final Monday observance
• Completion pujas for Somavara Vratam

November 20, 2025 (Thursday) – Karthika Masam Ends

• Karthika Amavasya (New Moon)
• Conclusion ceremonies
• Final offerings and prayers
• Month completes at midnight

UK Hindu Community Celebrations

Leicester hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India, and similarly, Karthika Masam sees major celebrations across UK Hindu temples, particularly in areas with large Hindu populations like Harrow, Leicester, Brent, and Redbridge.

Essential Rituals and Practices for British Hindus

Daily Observances Throughout the Month

1. Brahma Muhurta Snanam (Pre-Dawn Bath)

The British Challenge: October-November in the UK means cold, dark mornings. Waking during Brahma Muhurta (4:00-6:00 AM) requires commitment, especially with British weather!

Practical British Solutions:

• Central heating essential: Turn on heating before bath
• Indoor bathing: No need for outdoor river bathing in UK climate
• Hot water acceptable: Use comfortably warm water for ritual purity
• Weekend intensive: Do full Brahma Muhurta on weekends, simplified weekdays
• Add Tulsi leaves: If you have Tulsi plant, add leaves to bathwater

Bath Procedure:

1. Heat bathroom beforehand (cold October mornings!)
2. Chant mantras while bathing
3. Visualize spiritual purification
4. Complete before sunrise (progressively later through month)
5. Follow with immediate home puja

2. Karthika Deepam (Lamp Lighting)

UK-Specific Lamp Lighting:

Timing Considerations:

• Dawn lighting: Before leaving for work (6:30-7:30 AM GMT)
• Dusk lighting: After returning home (5:30-7:00 PM GMT)
• Sunset progressively earlier: October sunset ~6:00 PM, November ~4:30 PM

Where to Light:

• Home altar (primary location)
• Front doorstep (welcoming)
• Garden Tulsi plant (if you maintain one)
• Balcony or windowsill (visible to community)

Lamp Options for British Homes:

Traditional (Ideal):

• Brass or copper diyas
• Ghee lamps (ghee widely available in UK supermarkets – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda)
• Sesame oil lamps (from Indian stores)

Practical (British Housing):

• Battery LED lamps (flats with strict fire regulations)
• Tea lights in safe holders (easy and safe)
• Electric diyas (for continuous display)

Where to Buy:

• Indian grocery stores: Your local area’s Indian shops
• Online: Amazon UK, eBay, Indian specialty sites
• Temple shops: Support local temples
• Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s (ghee, tea lights)

Fire Safety (British Standards):

• Check tenancy agreement for flame restrictions
• Never leave unattended
• Fire-proof surfaces only
• Keep fire blanket nearby
• Inform neighbors about cultural practices

3. Temple Visits

There are over 150 Hindu temples in the UK, making temple access relatively easy for most British Hindus.

Recommended Visit Frequency:

• Ideal: Daily visits
• Practical: 2-3 times per week
• Minimum: All four Mondays + Kartika Purnima
• Virtual: Daily livestream participation

Best Times for Working Britons:

• Weekday evenings: 6:00-8:00 PM GMT
• Saturday mornings: 8:00-11:00 AM GMT
• Sunday programs: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM GMT
• Special programs: Check temple websites

Temple Etiquette:

• Remove shoes before entering
• Dress modestly (traditional wear appreciated)
• Mobile phones on silent
• Follow temple photography rules
• Donate according to capacity (£11, £21, £51, £101 common)

4. Fasting Options for British Hindus

Fasting Levels:

Level 1 – Beginner:

• Vegetarian diet only
• No onion, garlic
• No alcohol
• One significant change shows devotion

Level 2 – Moderate:

• Ekabhuktam (one meal per day)
• Dinner only after sunset
• Fruits/milk during day acceptable
• Suitable for working professionals

Level 3 – Serious:

• Naktha Vratam (eating after sunset and moonrise)
• No grains during day
• Fruits, milk, nuts only
• Break fast after viewing stars

Level 4 – Advanced:

• Complete fast (water only)
• Reserved for Mondays and Kartika Purnima
• Medical consultation advised
• Not recommended if health conditions exist

Work Considerations:

• Inform your line manager if fasting affects work
• Keep emergency snacks available
• Take lunch breaks for rest/meditation
• Work from home on major fasting days if possible
• Mental clarity more important than physical austerity

Dietary Guidelines for UK Context

Foods to Include:

• Fresh fruits (abundant in UK – apples, pears, bananas)
• Vegetables (no onion/garlic – available everywhere)
• Dairy (UK dairy products excellent quality)
• Nuts from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose
• Sabudana (Indian stores – Southall, Leicester, Bradford)
• Sweet potatoes (UK staple vegetable)
• Quinoa (health food shops)

Foods to Avoid:

• Meat, fish, eggs
• Onion and garlic (tamasic)
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Overly processed foods
• Restaurant takeaways (usually contain onion/garlic)

UK Shopping Guide:

• Indian Groceries: Areas like Southall, Wembley, Leicester, Bradford
• Supermarkets: All major chains stock international aisles
• Online: Asian-Food4U, Indian Grocery Store UK
• Temple shops: Often sell puja items and ingredients

City-Wise Temple Guide: England

London & Greater London

London has the highest concentration of Hindu temples in the UK, with over 30 temples serving diverse communities.

Major London Temples

1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden (Neasden Temple)

• Location: Pramukh Swami Rd, Neasden, London NW10 8HW
• Significance: Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, completed in 1995
• Architecture: Built from Bulgarian limestone and Italian Carrara marble using no structural steel
• Deities: Swaminarayan, Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita, Ganesh, Hanuman
• Special Features:
  • Stunning traditional Indian architecture
  • Exhibition hall (Understanding Hinduism)
  • Daily arti webcast 6:35-7:20 PM
  • Grand Karthika Purnima celebrations
• Timings: 9:00 AM-12:15 PM, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
• Transport: Neasden Underground (Jubilee Line)
• Website: londonmandir.baps.org
• Community: Large Gujarati following

2. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Kingsbury

• Location: 211 Kingsbury Rd, London NW9 8AQ
• Opened: 2014
• Architecture: Traditional Gujarati style with marble and limestone carvings
• Timings: 6:30 AM-12:00 PM, 4:00 PM-8:15 PM daily
• Transport: Kingsbury Underground (Jubilee Line)
• Programs: Extensive youth activities, cultural programs

3. Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Wembley

• Location: Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4AU
• Features: Multiple deity shrines, marble architecture
• Community: North Indian traditions
• Accessibility: Wembley Central station nearby

4. Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, East Ham

• Location: East Ham, London
• Deity: Goddess Lakshmi (prosperity)
• Community: South Indian traditions
• Special: Popular for Karthika month Lakshmi worship

5. London Sri Murugan Temple, Manor Park

• Location: 78 Church Road, Manor Park, London E12 6AF
• Deity: Lord Murugan (Kartikeya)
• Significance: Particularly important during Karthika Masam
• Community: Large Tamil following
• Tel: 020 8478 8433

6. Shree Ganapathy Temple, Wimbledon

• Location: 125-133 Effra Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 8PU
• Deity: Lord Ganesha
• Tel: 020 8542 7482
• Programs: Regular pujas and festivals

7. Hindu Temple Society of North London (Various locations)

• Multiple community centers across North London
• Regular Karthika programs

London Boroughs with High Hindu Population

• Harrow: 67,392 Hindus (25.8% of population) – Highest concentration
• Brent: 52,876 Hindus (15.6%)
• Redbridge: 34,372 Hindus (11.1%)
• Hillingdon: 33,020 Hindus (10.8%)

Karthika Masam in London:

• Extensive temple programs throughout month
• Easy transport access via Underground
• Multiple daily puja options
• Strong community support
• Cultural programs and lectures

Leicester

Leicester has 65,821 Hindus (17.9% of population), making it one of Britain’s most significant Hindu centers.

Major Leicester Temples

1. Shree Hindu Temple and Community Centre

• Location: 34 St Barnabas Rd, Leicester LE5 4BD
• Established: 1969 – one of the oldest Hindu temples in Leicester
• Significance: Historic community hub
• Features: Traditional architecture, multiple shrines
• Programs: Daily pujas, weekend programs, Karthika Somavara special abhishekams

2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester

• Location: 3 St. James Street, Leicester LE1 3SU
• Community: Gujarati Swaminarayan tradition
• Programs: Youth activities, cultural events

3. ISKCON Leicester

• Location: 21 Thorseby Street, Leicester LE5 4GU
• Tradition: Krishna consciousness movement
• Special: Strong Karthika Masam programs (Damodara month)
• Features: Daily darshan, kirtan, prasadam

4. Multiple Smaller Mandirs

• Rama Mandir, Sanatan Mandir, Shakti Mandir
• Various community-specific temples
• Neighborhood accessibility

Leicester Karthika Celebrations:

• City-wide celebrations
• Famous for hosting major Hindu festivals
• Strong community coordination
• Public displays and processions
• Cultural programs in community centers

Birmingham & West Midlands

Birmingham has a substantial Hindu population with the first Hindu temple in the West Midlands opening in 1969.

Major Birmingham Temples

1. Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Tividale

• Location: Dudley Road East, Tividale, West Midlands B69 3DU
• Significance: Europe’s largest Hindu temple
• Modeled After: Famous Tirupati Temple, India
• Features: Multiple shrines including Ganesh, Murugan, Padmavathi, Hanuman, Shiva, Navgraha, Ayyapan, Shirdi Sai Baba
• Architecture: Massive temple complex with traditional South Indian gopuram
• Programs:
  • Daily abhishekams
  • Special Karthika month celebrations
  • Grand Kartika Purnima Deepotsavam
  • Weekend cultural programs
• Accessibility: Near Dudley, easy from Birmingham city center

2. Shree Gita Bhavan

• Location: 107-115 Heathfield Road, Birmingham B19 1HL
• Established: 1969 – first Hindu temple in West Midlands
• Location: Former church building
• Deities: Ram, Sita, Krishna, Hanuman
• Significance: Historic importance, community elder temple

3. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

• Location: Pitmaston Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9PW
• Community: Gujarati Swaminarayan tradition
• Features: Beautiful traditional architecture
• Programs: Daily arti, youth activities

4. Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

• Location: 541a Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JP
• Deities: Lakshmi-Narayan
• Community: North Indian traditions

5. Ram Mandir

• Location: 8 Walford Road, Birmingham B12 1NR
• Deity: Lord Rama
• Community: North Indian devotees

6. Krishna Temples (Multiple Locations)

• Henley Street, Sampson Road
• ISKCON Birmingham: 84 Stanmore Road, Birmingham B16 9BT
• Active Krishna devotee community

Birmingham Karthika Programs:

• Coordinated celebrations across temples
• Easy access via Birmingham public transport
• Strong South Indian community presence
• Weekend family programs
• Youth engagement activities

Manchester & Northwest England

Major Manchester Temples

1. Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple

• Location: 231 Withington Road, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8LU
• Tel: 0161 861 0606
• Community: Diverse North Indian traditions
• Programs: Regular pujas, festival celebrations

2. Manchester Hindu Temple (Various locations)

• Multiple community centers
• Neighborhood accessibility
• Active during Karthika Masam

3. Bolton Area Temples

• Multiple temples serving Greater Manchester
• Hindu Temple (VHP Bolton)
• Krishna temples
• Swaminarayan temples

Reading, Oxford, Cambridge

Reading Hindu Temple

• Active community in Thames Valley
• Weekend programs popular
• University student participation

Cambridge Indian Cultural Association

• Serves Cambridge Hindu community
• Strong academic connection
• Regular spiritual programs

Oxford Hindu Temple

• University town temple
• Student and resident community
• Cultural and spiritual activities

Southampton & South Coast

Vedic Society Hindu Temple, Southampton

• Location: 79-195 Radcliffe Road, Northam, Southampton SO14 0PS
• Tel: 023 8063 2275
• Community: South Coast Hindu hub
• Programs: Regular pujas, festivals

Other Major English Cities

Brighton, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield, Slough

• All have active Hindu temples
• Nottingham has multiple temples including ISKCON, BAPS, and community mandirs
• Leeds has joint Hindu-Jain temples
• Sheffield has community temple on Buckenham Street
• Slough Hindu Temple built in 1981 was the first purpose-built Hindu temple in the British Isles

City-Wise Temple Guide: Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

Scotland

Glasgow

• Sri Anjaneya Temple (Hanuman Temple)
• ISKCON Glasgow
• Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre

Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre
• Growing Hindu community
• University student participation

ISKCON Scotland

• Location: Karuna Bhavan, Bank House Road, Lesmahagow ML11 0ES
• Rural retreat center
• Special programs and retreats

Wales

Cardiff

• Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: Active Gujarati community
• ISKCON Cardiff: 18 Greenfield Place
• Regular programs and festivals
• Welsh Hindu community hub

Swansea, Newport

• Smaller Hindu communities
• Shared worship spaces
• Community coordination with Cardiff

Northern Ireland

Belfast

• Hindu Mandir: Clifton Street, Carlisle Circus
• ISKCON Belfast: 140 Upper Dunmurray Lane, Belfast BT17 0HE
• Radha-Krishna Temple: 9 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY
• 4,190 Hindus in Northern Ireland (0.2% of population)
• Close-knit community
• Interfaith activities

Karthika Somavara Vratam: Special Monday Observance

The four Mondays during Karthika Masam hold supreme sanctity for Lord Shiva devotees.

Divine Legend

According to Puranic tradition, Chandra (Moon God) observed this vratam to gain relief from Daksha Prajapati’s curse. On a Monday in Karthika Masam, Lord Shiva blessed him, allowing the Moon to wax and wane cyclically. This vratam brings Shiva’s grace for:

• Unmarried seeking good spouse
• Marital harmony
• Relief from suffering
• Spiritual advancement
• Material prosperity
• Ultimate liberation (moksha)

2025 Monday Dates (UK)

1. October 27, 2025 – First Somavaram (GMT begins Oct 26)
2. November 3, 2025 – Second Somavaram
3. November 10, 2025 – Third Somavaram
4. November 17, 2025 – Fourth Somavaram

Somavara Vratam for Working Britons

Morning Routine (Before Work)

5:00 AM: Wake up, bathroom 5:15 AM: Hot bath (central heating on!) 5:30 AM: Home Shiva puja

• Light ghee lamp
• Offer bilva leaves (or substitute with fresh leaves)
• Chant Om Namah Shivaya (108 times)
• Pour water/milk over Shiva lingam 6:00 AM: Meditation and mantra chanting 6:30 AM: Prepare for work (fasting begins) 7:30 AM: Leave for work

During Work Day:

• Maintain fast (water only or fruits/milk)
• Mental japa during breaks
• Lunch hour: meditation or livestream darshan
• Avoid gossip and negative speech
• Listen to Shiva stotras (headphones)

After Work:

6:00 PM: Temple visit for Shiva Abhishekam

• Most temples schedule evening programs
• Participate in abhishekam and arti
• Offer donations (£11, £21, £51)
• Take prasadam

7:30 PM: Return home 8:00 PM: Break fast after viewing stars

• Light sattvic meal
• Offer food to Shiva first
• Consume as prasadam

Alternative (No Temple Visit):

• Extended home puja 6:00-7:00 PM
• Virtual darshan participation
• Family prayers together

Items for Somavara Puja

Essential:

• Bilva (Bael) leaves – check Indian stores or use alternative fresh leaves
• White flowers (jasmine, lily, white roses from Tesco/Sainsbury’s)
• Vibhuti (sacred ash) – temple shops or online
• Rudraksha mala – Indian stores or online
• Milk, honey, yogurt for abhishekam

Optional:

• Dhatura flowers (if available)
• Ganga jal (holy water from temples/Indian stores)
• Sandalwood paste
• Fruits (UK seasonal fruits acceptable)

UK Shopping:

• Temples often sell puja items
• Indian stores: Southall, Wembley, Leicester, Bradford
• Online: Temple websites, Amazon UK, eBay
• Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s (milk, honey, flowers)

Benefits of Somavara Vratam

• Removal of obstacles
• Happy married life
• Blessing of children
• Financial prosperity
• Mental peace
• Physical health
• Spiritual evolution
• Shiva’s direct grace

Deepa Daanam: Sacred Lamp Offering

Scriptural Importance

The Padma Purana declares: “One who lights a lamp in Karthika month in the house of Lord Vishnu destroys sins accumulated over countless lifetimes.”

Types of Lamps for UK Homes

1. Traditional Diyas (Clay/Brass/Copper)

• Available at Indian stores nationwide
• Reusable metal lamps best investment
• Traditional clay diyas for special days
• Dispose of clay diyas respectfully

2. Tea Lights

• Widely available (Tesco, IKEA, Wilko)
• Safe for British homes
• Use in glass holders
• Acceptable alternative

3. LED/Battery Lamps

• Perfect for:
  • Flats with fire restrictions
  • Office desks
  • Children’s rooms
  • Continuous display
• Many Hindu homes use mix of real and LED

4. Glass Votives with Oil

• Buy at homeware stores
• Fill with ghee or oil
• Add cotton wick
• Safe and beautiful

Where to Offer Lamps

1. Home Altar (Primary)

• Morning and evening daily
• Central sacred space
• Family gathers here

2. Front Doorstep (Welcoming)

• Evening lamp visible to neighbors
• Shares Hindu culture
• Symbol of hospitality

3. Tulsi Plant (If Maintained)

• Four-direction lighting on Kartika Purnima
• Growing Tulsi indoors common in UK
• Special reverence

4. Balcony/Window (Community Display)

• Visible to others
• Spreads light
• Cultural pride

5. Temple Donations

• Sponsor lamps at temple
• £11, £21, £51, £108 common donations
• Temple performs lighting
• You receive spiritual merit

Lamp Lighting Times (UK)

Morning Lamp:

• October 22-26 (BST): 6:30-7:30 AM
• October 26-Nov 20 (GMT): 6:30-7:30 AM
• Before leaving for work

Evening Lamp (Most Important):

• Follow sunset time (progressively earlier)
• Early October: ~6:00 PM BST
• Late October: ~5:30 PM GMT
• Mid-November: ~4:30 PM GMT
• By Nov 20: ~4:15 PM GMT

Note: UK sunset time changes significantly during Karthika Masam. Check daily sunset for accurate timing.

Safety for British Homes

Council Housing/Flats:

• Check tenancy agreement
• Many restrict open flames
• Use LED lamps if prohibited
• Inform housing association about cultural practice

Private Residences:

• Fire-safe surfaces only
• Away from curtains/papers