Quick answer: Karthika Masam 2026 runs from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Telugu/Kannada amanta calendar). The Karthika Somavaram Mondays are 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December. Karthika Pournami falls on Tuesday 24 November 2026 in the USA, and Devuthani Ekadashi on Friday 20 November. Because 2026 has an extra lunar month, Karthika Masam comes about three weeks later than last year. Below are major American temples with Shiva shrines where you can keep the month.

Karthika Masam 2026: Key Dates in the USA

Date (2026)Observance
Tue 10 NovKarthika Masam begins (amanta)
Mon 16 NovFirst Karthika Somavaram
Fri 20 NovDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashi
Sat 21 NovTulsi Vivah
Mon 23 NovSecond Karthika Somavaram
Tue 24 NovKarthika Pournami / Kartika Purnima
Mon 30 NovThird Karthika Somavaram
Mon 7 DecFourth Karthika Somavaram
Tue 8 DecKarthika Amavasya, month ends

Tamil temples observe Karthigai Deepam on the Krittika nakshatra day of the Tamil month of Karthigai, which usually falls on or next to Karthika Pournami. Many American temples hold the big lamp celebration on the nearest weekend, so check each temple's 2026 calendar.

Because Karthika Pournami is a Tuesday in 2026, working families may want to attend the evening programme that day, or plan around the weekend of 28 and 29 November if their temple holds its main celebration then.

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Why Keep Karthika Masam at an American Temple?

  • Accessibility: no long-haul travel; many temples are within an hour of major metros.
  • Authentic ritual: trained priests perform Rudrabhishekam, archana and homam according to Agama tradition.
  • Community: meet fellow devotees and give children a living experience of the festival.
  • Flexible timing: evening and weekend programmes fit around work and school.
  • English explanations: many temples explain rituals in English for the next generation.

East Coast

1. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Penn Hills (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania

One of the earliest traditional Hindu temples built in the United States, consecrated in the 1970s and modelled on Tirumala. Alongside Lord Venkateswara it has shrines including Shiva and Parvati, and it follows a full Agamic calendar with abhishekams, archanas and homams.

Good to know: Expect enhanced Monday worship during Karthika. Prasadam from the temple canteen is popular.

2. Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple), Flushing, New York

Founded in the 1970s and centred on Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati, this is one of the best-known temples in the Northeast, with shrines for Shiva and many other deities. It is easily reached by the 7 train to Flushing-Main Street.

Good to know: Very busy on weekends and festival evenings; arrive early.

3. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville, New Jersey

A vast hand-carved stone mandir and cultural campus. Alongside Bhagwan Swaminarayan it honours several Hindu deities, and the grounds are beautiful for a family visit during the month; note that it is not primarily a Shiva temple. Darshan is free.

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Good to know: Check the BAPS calendar for festival-day timings and dress code.

4. Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Lanham, Maryland

The Washington DC area's major South Indian temple, with separate sanctums for Shiva and Vishnu in traditional style. It is known for a busy festival calendar, Pradosham observances and classical music and dance programmes.

5. Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland, Massachusetts

New England's landmark South Indian temple, with Sri Lakshmi as the presiding deity and a Shiva shrine. It serves the Boston area and offers family-friendly programmes, with heated halls for cold November evenings.

South

6. Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale, Georgia

A large campus with shrines to Sri Venkateswara and Shiva-Parvati, among the most active temples in the Southeast. Mondays and Pradosham days draw strong attendance during Karthika.

7. Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland (Houston), Texas

Inspired by the great Madurai temple, with colourful Dravidian gopurams and shrines for Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Its Tamil traditions make it a natural home for Karthigai Deepam.

Good to know: Check the temple calendar for the 2026 Karthigai Deepam date.

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8. Hindu Society of North Carolina, Morrisville

The Research Triangle's long-established temple, with multiple shrines including Shiva. Known for welcoming newcomers and for children's education programmes; major events are often livestreamed.

Midwest

9. Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (Rama Temple), Lemont, Illinois

A large complex with shrines to Sri Rama and Shiva-Parvati as well as Ganesha and other deities, serving Chicagoland's sizeable Hindu community with a year-round calendar.

10. Bharatiya Temple, Troy, Michigan

Metro Detroit's long-standing temple, combining North and South Indian worship styles under one roof, with a Shiva shrine and family-oriented programmes.

West Coast

11. Malibu Hindu Temple (Sri Venkateswara Temple), Calabasas, California

A hilltop temple in the Santa Monica Mountains with shrines to Sri Venkateswara and Shiva. The setting makes evening lamp lighting especially memorable.

12. Shiva-Vishnu Temple, Livermore, California

A Bay Area temple giving equal prominence to Shiva and Vishnu, which suits Karthika Masam perfectly. Online booking and livestreams make it easy for busy professionals to take part.

13. Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, Bothell, Washington

A major temple for the Seattle area, with multiple shrines including Shiva and a calendar that often concentrates festival celebrations on weekends.

More Temples by Region

  • Northeast: Hindu temples in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont serve smaller communities.
  • South: Tampa, Orlando and South Florida temples; the Hindu Temple of New Orleans (Kenner); Nashville; Hampton Roads, Virginia.
  • Midwest: Hindu Society of Minnesota (Maple Grove); Hindu Temple of Central Ohio; Hindu Temple of Wisconsin (Pewaukee); Hindu Temple of St. Louis.
  • West and Southwest: temples in Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Portland and Utah.

Please confirm addresses, opening hours and 2026 programmes on each temple's official website before travelling.

Karthika Masam Rituals You Can Take Part In

  • Rudrabhishekam: abhishekam of the Shiva lingam with chanting of Sri Rudram, the central Monday ritual.
  • Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam: Rudram recited eleven times, often by several priests.
  • Bilva archana: offering three-leaved bilva to Shiva with his names.
  • Deepa offering: lighting lamps at the temple, a hallmark of the month.
  • Annadanam: sponsoring or serving food for devotees.

Each temple sets its own offerings and suggested donations, and these change from year to year. Check the temple website or office for current options; donations to temples registered as charities may be tax-deductible.

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Planning Your Visit

Before you go

  • Check the temple calendar for Monday and Karthika Pournami timings.
  • Book abhishekam or archana in advance for peak days.
  • Bring flowers, fruit or a lamp offering, a shawl for cold halls and a bag for prasadam.
  • Allow extra time for parking on festival evenings.

Temple etiquette

  • Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; traditional dress is welcome.
  • Remove shoes in the designated area.
  • Do not photograph inside the sanctum; ask before filming elsewhere.
  • Silence phones, follow the priest's instructions and keep children close.

Suggested strategy

  • Working professionals: attend Monday evening worship and the Karthika Pournami programme on 24 November.
  • Families: choose the weekend celebration your temple holds nearest to Pournami.
  • Dedicated devotees: keep all four Mondays plus Pournami, with daily lamp lighting at home.
  • Remote devotees: follow temple livestreams and sponsor a puja online.

Volunteering and Family Programmes

Karthika Masam is a busy time for temples, and seva is welcome: parking help, prasadam distribution, shoe counters, decorating with lamps and cleaning. Many temples also run Bal Vihar classes, diya-making and storytelling for children, a wonderful way for American-born kids to connect with the month. Contact the temple office in advance to volunteer.

Frequently asked questions

When is Karthika Masam 2026 in the USA?

For Telugu and Kannada families following the amanta calendar, Karthika Masam runs from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 8 December 2026. North Indian (purnimanta) Kartik runs from about 26 October to 24 November.

What are the Karthika Somavaram dates in 2026?

The four Karthika Mondays are 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December 2026.

When is Karthika Pournami 2026 in the USA?

Karthika Pournami (Kartika Purnima) is on Tuesday 24 November 2026 in the USA. Many temples hold their main lamp festival that evening or on the following weekend; check your temple's calendar.

Do I need to book a Rudrabhishekam in advance?

For Mondays and Karthika Pournami, yes, if possible. Most temples take bookings online or by phone; current offerings and suggested donations are listed by each temple.

Can I take part if I cannot reach a temple?

Yes. Many temples livestream major pujas and accept remote sponsorships, and a simple home puja with a lamp and Om Namah Shivaya is fully traditional.

Editor's note (4 October 2026)

This guide has been fully updated for Karthika Masam 2026, with dates from Drik Panchang for the USA. We have removed last year's event schedules, sponsorship prices and contact details, which change each year. Temples are described in general terms; please check your local temple or association for 2026 programmes and timings.