Karthika Masam 2026 in UK: Complete City-Wise Hindu Temple Guide, Dates, Karthika Somavaram, Pournami and Special Pujas

Karthika Masam 2026 in the United Kingdom is a sacred month for Hindus, particularly Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and other Indian communities living across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Devotees observe Karthika Somavaram Vratam, perform Shiva Abhishekam, light daily oil lamps, worship Tulasi Devi, visit Hindu temples and celebrate Karthika Pournami and Karthigai Deepam.

From BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London and Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Oldbury to Leicester's Shiva and Murugan temples, Manchester's Hindu temples, Glasgow's Hindu Mandir and Edinburgh's Hindu Mandir, devotees have several places to observe this holy month.

This comprehensive guide explains Karthika Masam 2026 UK dates, city-wise temple locations, special pujas, rituals, mantras, fasting practices, charity, and how British Hindus and NRIs can celebrate Karthika Masam.

Karthika Masam 2026 UK: Important Dates

According to the UK-local Amanta calendar calculation, Karthika Masam begins on 9 November 2026 and concludes on 8 December 2026. Some UK temples may follow the Indian panchangam and observe the beginning on 10 November.

Important Karthika Masam dates in the UK

Important calendar clarification: The UK-local sunrise calculation gives five Karthika Mondays: 9, 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December. Indian-calendar-following temples may observe four Mondays, beginning on 16 November. Confirm the temple's own 2026 panchangam before attending a specific vratam or puja. Daily timings for UK cities are in our Karthika Masam 2026 UK dates, Somavarams and Pournami by city.

Karthika Pournami tithi is reported to begin at approximately 6:12 PM GMT on 23 November and end at approximately 2:53 PM GMT on 24 November. The evening observance can therefore differ between families and temples. Follow the local temple's festival announcement, and see Kartik Purnima 2026 UK: Purnima time and deepam by city.

Spiritual Significance of Karthika Masam

Karthika Masam is considered one of the most auspicious months in Hindu tradition. It is especially associated with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Kartikeya and Tulasi Devi.

The month encourages devotees to follow spiritual discipline, perform charity, light lamps, recite sacred mantras and visit temples.

Important spiritual practices include:

• Lighting sesame-oil or ghee lamps every evening.
• Performing Shiva Abhishekam on Mondays.
• Offering Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva.
• Worshipping Tulasi Devi and Lord Vishnu.
• Performing Karthika Puranam parayanam.
• Observing Ekadashi and Somavaram fasting.
• Participating in Annadanam and other charitable activities.
• Celebrating Karthika Pournami with Deepotsavam.

For UK Hindu families, the month provides an opportunity to preserve Indian traditions and introduce children to Hindu festivals and devotional practices.

Complete UK Hindu Temple Guide for Karthika Masam 2026

The following temple directory covers major Hindu worship centres and community temples across the United Kingdom. These are places devotees can contact about regular darshan, Shiva puja, Vishnu worship, Murugan worship, deepam and festival programmes.

Temple-specific Karthika Masam 2026 event schedules should be confirmed directly with the respective temple. Inclusion does not mean a special event has already been announced. For Shiva temples in more detail, see Shiva temples in the UK for Karthika Masam 2026.

1. London and Greater London: Important Hindu Temples

London has one of the UK's largest Hindu communities, with temples representing Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta, Swaminarayan and ISKCON traditions.

1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden

• Location: Neasden, Brent, London.
• Tradition: Swaminarayan Hindu tradition.
• Karthika relevance: Devotional worship, daily arti, satsang, family activities and festival observances.
• Website: https://www.baps.org/

2. Shri Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon

• Location: Wimbledon, South London.
• Main deity: Lord Ganesha.
• Karthika relevance: Ganesha worship, prayer and family visits during the sacred month.
• Website: https://www.ghanapathytemple.org.uk/

3. London Sri Murugan Temple

• Location: London.
• Main deity: Lord Murugan.
• Karthika relevance: Particularly relevant to Tamil devotees observing Karthigai Deepam and Murugan worship.
• Confirm current opening and festival details with the temple.

4. London Sivan Kovil

• Location: London.
• Main deity: Lord Shiva.
• Karthika relevance: Shiva worship, Somavaram prayers and abhishekam enquiries.

5. Highgate Hill Murugan Temple

• Location: Highgate Hill, London.
• Main deity: Lord Murugan.
• Karthika relevance: Murugan devotion and Karthigai Deepam traditions.

6. Kanaga Thurkkai Amman Temple

• Location: London.
• Main deity: Goddess Durga / Thurkkai Amman.
• Karthika relevance: Shakti worship and devotional observances.

7. Muththumari Amman Temple

• Location: Tooting, London.
• Main deity: Goddess Muthumariamman.
• Karthika relevance: Traditional Tamil Hindu worship.

8. ISKCON South London

• Location: South Norwood, London.
• Tradition: Krishna consciousness.
• Karthika relevance: Damodara month, daily lamp offerings, bhajans and Krishna worship.
• Website: https://www.iskcon.org/

9. Shri Ram Mandir

• Location: Southall, London.
• Main deity: Lord Rama.
• Karthika relevance: Rama bhajans, devotional worship and community activities.

10. Radha-Krishna Temple

• Location: Stratford, London.
• Main deities: Radha and Krishna.
• Karthika relevance: Vishnu and Krishna worship.

11. Mahalakshmi Temple

• Location: London.
• Main deity: Goddess Mahalakshmi.
• Karthika relevance: Lakshmi worship and devotional prayers.

12. Greenwich Hindu Temple

• Location: Greenwich, London.
• Tradition: Hindu community worship.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the temple for special pujas and festival programmes.

13. Shri Nathji Sanatan Hindu Mandir

• Location: London.
• Tradition: Sanatan Hindu worship.
• Karthika relevance: General Hindu devotional worship.

14. Durga Mandir, Ilford

• Location: Norman Road, Ilford.
• Main deity: Goddess Durga.
• Karthika relevance: Shakti worship and festival prayers.

15. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Kingsbury

• Location: Kingsbury, London.
• Tradition: Swaminarayan.
• Karthika relevance: Daily worship, satsang and community observances.

Other London-area Hindu worship centres include Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir in Wembley, Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Mandir, ISKCON centres and Hindu community mandirs across Harrow, Wembley, Ealing, Ilford, Tooting, Southall and Plumstead.

2. Leicester: Important Hindu Temples

Leicester has a major Hindu community, particularly around Belgrave Road and the surrounding areas.

1. Shree Hindu Temple and Community Centre

• Location: Leicester.
• Tradition: Sanatan Hindu worship.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the mandir regarding Shiva puja, daily worship, Pournami and special festival arrangements.
• Website: https://www.shreehindutemple.net/

2. Leicester Shri Siva Murugan Temple

• Location: Leicester.
• Main deities: Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan.
• Karthika relevance: Especially relevant for Somavaram worship and Karthigai Deepam.

3. Shree Sanatan Mandir

• Location: Leicester.
• Tradition: Sanatan Hindu worship.
• Karthika relevance: General Hindu festivals, devotional prayers and community worship.

4. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

• Location: Leicester.
• Tradition: Swaminarayan.
• Karthika relevance: Devotional programmes and satsang.

5. ISKCON Leicester / Hare Krishna Mandir

• Location: Leicester.
• Main deities: Krishna and Radha.
• Karthika relevance: Damodara month lamp offerings, Krishna bhajans and devotional activities.

6. Shivalaya – Leicestershire Brahma Samaj

• Location: Leicester.
• Tradition: Hindu community worship.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the organisation regarding Shiva-related worship.

7. Shree Geeta Bhavan

• Location: Leicester.
• Tradition: Hindu worship and community activities.

8. Shree Hanuman Temple – Salangpur Dham

• Location: Leicester.
• Main deity: Lord Hanuman.

Other Leicester-area Hindu centres include Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Ram Mandir, Shakti Mandir, Jalarama Prathna Mandal and other community mandirs.

3. Birmingham and West Midlands Hindu Temples

Birmingham and the West Midlands have several important Hindu temples serving families from different Indian linguistic and regional communities.

1. Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Oldbury

• Location: 101 Dudley Road East, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 3DU.
• Main deity: Lord Venkateswara.
• Karthika relevance: Vishnu worship, devotional offerings and temple darshan.
• Website: https://www.venkateswara.org.uk/

2. Geeta Bhavan Mandir, Birmingham

• Location: Birmingham.
• Tradition: Hindu worship and community activities.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the temple regarding special prayers and festival programmes.

3. Laxmi-Narayan Mandir

• Location: Birmingham.
• Main deities: Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Karthika relevance: Vishnu worship and Tulasi-related devotional traditions.

4. Krishna Mandir

• Location: Birmingham.
• Main deity: Lord Krishna.

5. ISKCON Birmingham

• Location: Birmingham.
• Tradition: Krishna consciousness.
• Karthika relevance: Damodara month and lamp-offering traditions.

6. Ram Mandir

• Location: Birmingham.
• Main deity: Lord Rama.

7. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Wolverhampton region

• Check the relevant local BAPS centre for its current address and programme details.

Additional centres across the West Midlands include temples and community organisations in Coventry, Wolverhampton, Bilston, Walsall, Dudley and surrounding towns.

4. Manchester and Greater Manchester

Manchester has a well-established Hindu community with Shiva, Krishna and other Hindu worship centres.

1. Gita Bhavan Mandir

• Location: Withington Road area, Manchester.
• Tradition: Hindu worship and community activities.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the mandir regarding Monday pujas and special observances.

2. ISKCON Manchester

• Location: 20 Mayfield Road, Manchester, M16 8FT.
• Tradition: Krishna consciousness.
• Karthika relevance: Damodara month lamp offerings, Krishna worship, bhajans and prasadam.

3. Radha-Krishna Mandir

• Location: Brunswick Road, Manchester.
• Main deities: Radha and Krishna.
• Karthika relevance: Vishnu and Krishna devotion.

4. Shiva Temple Manchester

• Location: Stockport area.
• Main deity: Lord Shiva.
• Karthika relevance: A relevant temple to contact for Somavaram and Shiva worship arrangements.

5. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

• Location: Ashton-under-Lyne region.
• Tradition: Swaminarayan.

Other Greater Manchester locations include Bolton, Oldham and surrounding areas, with additional Swaminarayan and Hindu community centres.

5. Coventry, Nottingham, Derby and Other Midlands Cities

Coventry

• Hindu Mandir, Coventry.
• Baba Balak Nath Ji Mandir listing: verify current operating and affiliation status before visiting.

Nottingham

• Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre, Carlton Road.
• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Palm Street.
• Shree Hindu Temple.

Derby

• Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan.
• Hindu Community Centre.

Loughborough

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
• Geeta Bhavan Hindu Temple.
• Rama-Krishna Centre.

Wolverhampton and Bilston

• Durga Bhavan, Bilston.
• Local Swaminarayan and Hindu community centres.

These temples and organisations provide important regional worship facilities. Devotees should contact them to check whether Karthika Masam abhishekams, deepam or Pournami events are scheduled.

6. Leeds, Bradford and Yorkshire

1. Leeds Hindu Mandir

• Location: Leeds.
• Tradition: Hindu worship.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the temple for Shiva puja and monthly festival programmes.

2. Sanatan Temple and Community Centre

• Location: 281 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 3JT.
• Tradition: Sanatan Hindu worship and community activities.

3. Hindu Charitable Trust

• Location: Ash Road, Leeds.
• Tradition: Hindu community organisation.

4. Hindu Mandir

• Location: Alexandra Road, Leeds.
• Tradition: Hindu worship.

5. Bradford Hindu Temple

• Location: Bradford.
• Tradition: Hindu community worship.

7. Liverpool, Preston, Bolton and North West England

Liverpool

• ISKCON Liverpool.
• Krishna Hindu Temple.
• Hindu Cultural Organisation.

Preston

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
• Gujarat Hindu Society.

Bolton

• Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple.
• Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.

Oldham

• Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.
• Hindu community worship centres.

Newcastle upon Tyne

• Hindu Temple, West Road, Fenham.
• ISKCON Newcastle.

These centres help devotees in northern England participate in Hindu festivals without travelling to London or Leicester.

8. Scotland: Glasgow and Edinburgh Hindu Temples

1. Hindu Mandir Glasgow

• Address: 1 La Belle Place, Glasgow, G3 7LH.
• Main deities include Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Radha-Krishna.
• Karthika relevance: Shiva worship, daily arti and family prayers.
• Website: https://hindumandirglasgow.org/

2. Pashupatinath Temple Scotland

• Address: GNA Hall, 1 Priory Avenue, Paisley, Glasgow, PA3 4NS.
• Main deity: Lord Pashupatinath, a form of Lord Shiva.
• Karthika relevance: Particularly relevant for Shiva devotees and Somavaram worship.
• Website: https://www.pashupatinathtemplescotland.co.uk/

3. Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre

• Location: Leith, Edinburgh.
• Tradition: Hindu worship, cultural programmes and community activities.
• Karthika relevance: Contact the mandir about special pujas and festival events.
• Website: https://edinburghhindumandir.org.uk/

9. Wales: Cardiff Hindu Community and Temple

India Centre Cardiff – Hindu Cultural Association (Wales)

• Address: Sanquhar Street, Splott, Cardiff, CF24 2AA.
• Organisation: Hindu Cultural Association Wales.
• Karthika relevance: Hindu community worship, cultural activities and devotional programmes.
• Website: https://www.indiacentre.co.uk/

Devotees in Cardiff and other Welsh communities should check local announcements for Karthika Pournami, Deepotsavam and other special events.

10. Northern Ireland and Belfast

Hindu families in Belfast and Northern Ireland can connect with local Hindu community organisations and worship groups for festival celebrations.

For Karthika Masam, devotees should enquire about:

• Community Shiva puja.
• Karthika Somavaram prayers.
• Tulasi worship.
• Karthika Pournami Deepotsavam.
• Group bhajans and devotional gatherings.

Check current venue details and festival arrangements before travelling.

How to Celebrate Karthika Masam in the UK

1. Daily Karthika Deepam

Lighting a lamp is one of the most important observances.

UK families can:

• Light a ghee or sesame-oil diya at home.
• Place a lamp near the home altar.
• Offer a lamp near Tulasi Devi.
• Light lamps in the evening after local sunset.
• Participate in temple Deepotsavam if organised.

Because sunset occurs early in November and December, families can perform evening puja before or after work.

Always supervise open flames and follow local fire-safety guidance. Use suitable LED lamps where open flames are not permitted.

2. Karthika Somavaram Vratam

The Mondays of Karthika Masam are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Devotees can:

• Observe a full or partial fast according to their health and tradition.
• Visit a Shiva temple.
• Perform Shiva Abhishekam.
• Offer Bilva leaves.
• Chant Om Namah Shivaya.
• Read Shiva Puranam or Karthika Puranam.

For Monday puja steps and mantras, see Karthika Somavaram 2026 UK: Monday rituals.

3. Karthika Pournami

Karthika Pournami is one of the most significant days of the month.

Important observances include:

• Lighting multiple diyas.
• Performing Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam.
• Shiva Abhishekam.
• Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam.
• Annadanam.
• Donating food, clothes and essential supplies.
• Participating in temple Deepotsavam.

4. Karthigai Deepam

Tamil Hindu families particularly celebrate Karthigai Deepam.

The festival is associated with Lord Shiva's infinite pillar of light and the divine light of Arunachaleswarar at Tiruvannamalai.

UK Tamil families can:

• Light rows of traditional agal vilakku.
• Worship Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan.
• Chant Shiva mantras.
• Visit Murugan and Shiva temples.
• Participate in temple Deepam celebrations where announced.

5. Tulasi Vivah

Tulasi Vivah celebrates the symbolic marriage of Tulasi Devi and Lord Vishnu in his Shaligram form.

Families can decorate Tulasi plants, offer flowers, perform simple puja and chant Vishnu mantras.

ISKCON and other Vaishnava centres may organise related devotional activities. Confirm local schedules.

Important Karthika Masam Mantras

Lord Shiva mantra

Om Namah Shivaya.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam

Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.

Lord Vishnu mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

Tulasi Devi mantra

Om Tulasyai Namah.

Lord Murugan mantra

Om Saravanabhavaya Namah.

Devotees can chant according to their family tradition, spiritual teacher's guidance and temple practices.

Karthika Masam Charity and Annadanam in the UK

Charity and helping others are important parts of Karthika Masam.

Hindu families living in the UK can participate in:

• Food donations to food banks.
• Temple Annadanam.
• Donations to registered charitable organisations.
• Supporting elderly people.
• Donating winter clothes and blankets.
• Helping families experiencing financial difficulties.
• Supporting community kitchens and food distribution.

Donations should be made responsibly through genuine organisations. Check charity registration and official donation details before contributing. Our Karthika Masam Daanam guide covers what to give and how.

Special Guidance for NRIs and Telugu Families in the UK

Many Telugu families in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Nottingham and other UK cities follow traditions from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Common observances include:

• Karthika Masam daily lamp lighting.
• Karthika Somavaram fasting.
• Shiva Abhishekam.
• Karthika Puranam reading.
• Tulasi puja.
• Karthika Pournami celebrations.
• Vanabhojanam and community gatherings where practical.

Families can preserve these traditions even when they cannot visit a temple every day.

Children can participate by learning simple mantras, helping arrange diyas and listening to stories about Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Kartikeya. Relatives elsewhere can use our guides for Australia and New Zealand, and the temple celebrations in India.

Important Tips for Karthika Masam in the United Kingdom

1. Check the UK-local panchangam instead of directly converting Indian festival times.
2. Confirm whether your temple follows the UK sunrise calendar or Indian festival dates.
3. Check temple opening times before travelling.
4. Confirm whether special abhishekam or Deepotsavam bookings are required.
5. Use safe indoor arrangements for lamps during cold or windy weather.
6. Observe fasting according to personal health and family tradition.
7. Support local temple food programmes and charitable activities.
8. Share devotional traditions with children and younger generations.

Frequently Asked Questions: Karthika Masam 2026 UK

When does Karthika Masam start in the UK in 2026?

The UK-local Amanta calendar gives 9 November 2026 as the beginning. Temples following the Indian calendar may observe 10 November.

How many Karthika Somavarams are there in the UK in 2026?

There are five according to the UK-local sunrise calendar: 9, 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December. Some temples follow four Mondays.

When is Karthika Pournami 2026 in the UK?

Karthika Pournami is observed on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. The Purnima tithi begins on 23 November evening and ends on 24 November afternoon, UK time.

Which temples can devotees visit for Karthika Masam in London?

Devotees can enquire with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Shri Ghanapathy Temple, London Sri Murugan Temple, London Sivan Kovil, Highgate Hill Murugan Temple, ISKCON South London and other Hindu temples.

Where can Telugu Hindus celebrate Karthika Masam in the UK?

Telugu families can enquire with Hindu temples in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Nottingham, Leeds and other cities about Shiva puja, Karthika Puranam and Somavaram programmes.

Which UK temples are suitable for Lord Shiva worship?

Shiva devotees can enquire with London Sivan Kovil, Leicester Shri Siva Murugan Temple, Shiva Temple Manchester, Hindu Mandir Glasgow and Pashupatinath Temple Scotland.

Where can devotees celebrate Karthigai Deepam in the UK?

Tamil devotees can enquire with London Sri Murugan Temple, Highgate Hill Murugan Temple, Leicester Shri Siva Murugan Temple and other Murugan and Shiva temples.

Can NRIs perform Karthika Masam puja at home?

Yes. Devotees can perform daily lamp lighting, Tulasi puja, Shiva mantra chanting and simple devotional worship at home.

Do UK temples organise special Karthika Somavaram Abhishekams?

Programmes vary by temple. Contact the relevant temple or check its official announcements for 2026 timings, booking requirements and offerings.

Conclusion: Celebrate the Divine Light of Karthika Masam Across the UK

Karthika Masam 2026 provides Hindu families across the United Kingdom with an opportunity to strengthen their spiritual traditions and celebrate the divine significance of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Murugan and Tulasi Devi.

From London's historic Hindu temples and Leicester's vibrant mandirs to Birmingham's Balaji Temple, Manchester's Hindu centres, Glasgow's Hindu Mandir and Edinburgh's Hindu Mandir, devotees can connect with their spiritual communities throughout the sacred month.

Whether you observe Karthika Somavaram, perform Shiva Abhishekam, light a daily deepam, celebrate Karthika Pournami or participate in Annadanam, every devotional act can become an opportunity to practise faith, compassion and service.

May Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Kartikeya bless all Hindu families in the United Kingdom with peace, good health, prosperity and spiritual progress.

Om Namah Shivaya!

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!