Karthika Pournami Celebrations in Telugu States (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) 2025: Complete City-Wise Guide to Events, Rituals & Temple Celebrations

Introduction: The Divine Festival of Lights

Karthika Pournami, also known as Kartika Purnima or Karthigai Deepam, is one of the most sacred celebrations in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika, this festival falls in November and is also known as Tripurari Purnima or Deva-Deepavali, the gods’ festival of lights. In 2025, Karthika Pournami will be observed on November 5, 2025, marking a time of profound spiritual significance for Hindu communities across the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

For Telugu Hindus, this sacred day represents more than just a religious observance—it’s a connection to cultural heritage, a celebration of divine light, and an opportunity to gather as a community in devotion and unity, with grand temple rituals, vanabhojanam picnics, and the lighting of 365-wick lamps.

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What is Karthika Pournami? Understanding the Significance

Historical and Mythological Importance

Hindus consider Karthika Pournami to be especially important because it’s the sole day of the year that is specifically dedicated to the worship of both Shiva and Vishnu. This unique characteristic makes it one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.

Key Legends Associated with Karthika Pournami:

1. Lord Shiva’s Victory Kartika Purnima, also known as Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima in Shaivism, commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over Tripurasura, the demon. According to this legend, Shiva took the form of Tripurantaka to destroy three celestial cities called Tripura with just a single arrow.
2. Lord Vishnu’s Matsya Avatar Legend has it that Vishnu was incarnated to become Matsya on this day and that this was the first of his 10 incarnations in different forms.
3. Radha-Krishna’s Divine Dance In Vaishnavite tradition, this day is considered significant and special for the worship of both Radha and Krishna. It is believed that on this day, Radha-Krishna performed rasalila with their gopis.
4. Birth of Lord Kartikeya In Southern India, Kartika Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Kartikeya, the god of war and younger son of Shiva.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Karthika Pournami

Celebrating Karthika Pournami with devotion is believed to bring:

• Spiritual growth equivalent to performing numerous sacred rituals
• Cleansing of karma through purification from past negativities
• Divine grace with blessings of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Kartikeya

Any philanthropic act on this day is supposed to bring benefits and blessings equal to the performing of ten yajnas.

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Karthika Pournami 2025 Date & Timing for Telugu States

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Purnima Tithi Begins: 10:36 PM on November 4, 2025 Purnima Tithi Ends: 6:48 PM on November 5, 2025

Since the Udayatithi (sunrise time) is considered in Hinduism for festival observance, Karthika Pournami will be celebrated on November 5, 2025, across all time zones in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Time Zone Adjustments for Major Telugu Cities

• Indian Standard Time (Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati): Follow local sunrise and moonrise timings

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Essential Rituals and Traditions

1. Lighting of Diyas (Deepam)

The most iconic ritual of Karthika Pournami involves lighting oil lamps. Devotees light ghee or sesame oil lamps at dawn and dusk, starting with one diya on Padyami and increasing daily, using eco-friendly clay diyas.

Traditional Practice in Telugu States:

• Light 365 wicks in South Indian tradition
• Use ghee or sesame oil for purity
• Place lamps at entrance, tulasi plant, and home temple
• Special emphasis on lighting 365-wick lamps in Shiva temples

2. Holy Bath (Snana)

A cherished story highlights the power of bathing during Karthika Masam. Lord Vishnu once advised the gods that a holy dip on Karthika Pournami would shield them from curses and sins.

For Telugu Devotees:

• Early morning shower before sunrise or dip in rivers like Godavari, Krishna, or Tungabhadra
• Add holy water (Ganga jal) if available
• Chant mantras during bath

3. Fasting (Vrata)

Devotees observe various forms of fasting:

• Complete fast: From sunrise to moonrise
• Partial fast: Consuming only fruits, milk, and water
• Specific restrictions: Avoiding grains and focusing on sattvic foods

4. Temple Visits and Puja

Many Hindus go to a temple of Shiva or Vishnu or both on Karthika Pournami.

Puja Items to Carry:

• Flowers (especially bilva leaves for Shiva)
• Fruits and coconuts
• Incense and camphor
• Tulasi leaves for Vishnu worship

5. Charity and Annadanam

Community organizations arrange annadanam (charitable food distribution) to honor the day’s spirit.

Donate:

• Food grains and essentials
• Clothing to the needy
• Financial contributions to temples
• Educational support for underprivileged children

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City-Wise Karthika Pournami Celebrations Across Telugu States

Telangana

Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy Temple, Vemulawada

One of the richest and most famous Shiva temples in Telangana, attracting over a million devotees during Karthika Masam for its grand celebrations.

2025 Events:

• Rudrabhishekam for Lord Shiva
• Satyanarayana Puja sessions
• Evening deepa lighting with 365 wicks
• Bhajans, kirtans, and cultural dances
• Prasadam distribution including pongal and payasam
• Community annadanam for all attendees

Address: Vemulawada, Rajanna Sircilla District

Typical Schedule:

Time	Activity
6:00 AM	Morning abhishekam
12:00 PM	Midday puja
6:00 PM	Evening arti and lamp lighting
8:00 PM	Devotional music program

Kaleswaram Mukteeswara Swamy Temple, Mahadevpur

Known as Dakshina Kashi, this ancient Shiva temple on the Godavari River hosts special rituals during Karthika Pournami.

Special Features:

• Holy bath in Godavari River
• Vishnu Sahasranama recitation
• Lamp lighting at sunset
• Youth bhajan sessions

Address: Mahadevpur Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District

Other Telangana Temples:

• Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Bhadrachalam
• Kotipalli Vinayaka Temple, Rajahmundry (near border)

Telangana Community Features:

• Large Telugu populations
• Multiple puja batches for working families
• Eco-friendly clay diyas available on-site
• Inter-community collaborations

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Hyderabad

Peddamma Temple, Jubilee Hills

A prominent Shakti temple that hosts inclusive Karthika events with a focus on family participation.

2025 Special Programs:

• All-day celebrations from sunrise to moonrise
• Satyanarayana Vratam
• 365-diya lighting ceremony
• Classical music and dance performances
• Charity drives for local causes

Address: Road No. 61, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Services Available:

• Archana bookings
• Guided tours for newcomers
• Multilingual explanations

ISKCON Hyderabad

Emphasizes Vaishnavite traditions with Krishna devotion and organizes inclusive events.

Programs Include:

• Chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama
• Lamp lighting ceremony
• Discourses on Kartika legends
• Youth involvement in rituals

Address: Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad

Hyderabad Features:

• Urban celebrations with vanabhojanam picnics in parks
• Weekend extensions for professionals
• Youth-led educational programs on legends

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Andhra Pradesh

Sri Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada

One of the most prominent Shakti temples on the Krishna River, with grand Shaiva-Vaishnava observances.

2025 Events:

• Morning snana and puja in Krishna River
• Evening maha arti
• Discourses on Kartika Purana
• Annadanam with traditional recipes

Address: Indrakeeladri Hill, Vijayawada

Srikalahasti Temple, Tirupati (nearby Chittoor)

Famous for its Vayu Linga, attracting lakhs for Rahu-Ketu puja and Karthika rituals.

Special Features:

• Rudrabhishekam with bilva leaves
• 365-lamp lighting ceremony
• Special abhishekam with milk and sacred waters
• Weekend-long programs

Address: Srikalahasti, Chittoor District

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

A Jyotirlinga and one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, drawing millions during Karthika Masam.

Programs Include:

• Holy dip in Pathala Ganga
• Deeparadhana at Nagulakatta
• Bhajan nights
• Prasadam with appam and kesari

Address: Srisailam, Kurnool District

Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

The world-renowned Vaishnava temple with special Satyanarayana Vratam and lamp lighting.

Special Features:

• Annabhishekam at Kapila Theertham (nearby)
• Garuda Seva on Pournami
• Cultural performances

Address: Tirumala, Chittoor District

Simhachalam Narasimha Swamy Temple, Visakhapatnam

Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, with emphasis on Vishnu worship and lamp festivals.

2025 Special Programs:

• Abhishekam and Vishnu puja
• Lamp lighting procession
• Bhajan programs
• Community dinners

Address: Simhachalam Hill, Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Community Features:

• Emphasis on river baths in Krishna and Godavari
• Vanabhojanam picnics in nature
• Blend of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions

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Other Major Metropolitan Areas

Warangal (Telangana):

Thousand Pillar Temple – Shiva puja with historical grandeur.

Guntur (Andhra Pradesh):

Undavalli Caves Temple – Ancient rock-cut Shiva shrine with evening arti.

Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh):

Samalkota Kumararama Temple – Pancharama Kshetra with Kartikeya focus.

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How Telugu Hindu Communities Celebrate: Adaptation & Innovation

Community-Centric Celebrations

Telugu Hindus celebrate Karthika Pournami with temple visits, lamp-lighting ceremonies, and community feasts, including vanabhojanam (forest picnics with prasadam under trees).

Karthika Pournami celebrations have evolved to suit global Hindu communities through community gatherings where temples and cultural organizations host events, fostering unity, and charity initiatives including annadanam and donations to local charities.

Modern Adaptations for Telugu Life

Weekend Celebrations: Many temples schedule extended programs over the weekend closest to Karthika Pournami to accommodate working families.

Virtual Participation:

• Live streaming of temple ceremonies
• Online puja bookings and archanas
• Virtual satsangs and discourses
• Digital donation platforms

Eco-Friendly Initiatives:

• Clay diyas instead of plastic
• LED lamps for safety in apartments
• Organic oil use
• Sustainable prasadam packaging

Cultural Integration:

• Educational programs for second-generation children
• Telugu explanations of rituals
• Interfaith attendance welcome
• Community service projects

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Celebrating Karthika Pournami at Home in Telugu States

For Apartment Dwellers and Small Spaces

Safety-First Lamp Lighting:

• Use electric diyas where open flames prohibited
• Balcony lamp lighting arrangements
• LED string lights as alternative
• Small ghee lamp on safe platform

Space-Saving Puja Setup:

• Compact altar space
• Portable puja items
• Digital bhajan/mantra players
• Virtual darshan options

Creating Sacred Atmosphere

Morning Routine:

1. Wake before sunrise (check local timing)
2. Holy bath with prayers
3. Clean and decorate puja room
4. Light first lamp at sunrise
5. Perform morning puja
6. Read scripture (Bhagavad Gita or Shiva Purana)

Evening Observance:

1. Prepare 365-wick lamp or multiple small diyas
2. Arrange flowers and offerings
3. Light lamps at sunset
4. Perform arti
5. Chant mantras and bhajans
6. Share prasadam with family
7. Observe moon rising

Traditional Recipes for Karthika Pournami

Prasadam Items:

• Pongal (sweet and savory)
• Vada
• Appam
• Payasam/Kheer
• Coconut laddoos
• Kesari/Halwa
• Panakam (jaggery drink)

Fasting Foods:

• Fresh fruits
• Milk and curd
• Dry fruits and nuts
• Sabudana preparations
• Fruit salads

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Special Programs and Events by Regional Organizations

Telugu Associations

Across AP and TS, Telugu cultural associations coordinate community events.

Activities:

• Regional Karthika celebrations coordination
• Cultural program sponsorships
• Youth engagement initiatives
• Charity drives

Tamil Sangams Across Telugu States

• Karthigai Deepam special programs
• Bonfire ceremonies (where permitted)
• Tamil devotional music concerts
• Murugan temple celebrations

Pan-Indian Hindu Organizations

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)

• Community Deepotsav programs
• Volunteer coordination for temple events

Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA)

• Religious discourse series
• Inter-temple celebration coordination

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Religious Observances Throughout Karthika Month

Key Dates in Karthika Masam 2025

Tulasi Vivah occurs on November 2, marking the symbolic marriage of Tulasi plant to Shaligrama (Vishnu), which grants moksha and starts wedding season.

Vaikuntha Chaturdashi falls on November 4 with combined Shiva-Vishnu puja at dawn.

Karthika Pournami/Karthigai Deepam happens on November 5 with grand lamp festivals.

Other Important Days:

• Somavara Vratas: Mondays dedicated to Lord Shiva (October 27, November 3, 10, 17)
• Masa Shivaratri: November 18 – Monthly Shiva night with night vigil
• Kansa Vadh: November 13 – Celebrating Krishna’s triumph

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Tips for First-Time Celebrants

What to Expect at Temple Celebrations