Karthika Masam 2025: Complete Festival Calendar with Dates & Spiritual Significance

Introduction

Karthika Masam 2025 begins on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and concludes on Thursday, November 20, 2025, spanning 30 sacred days in the Telugu Year Viswavasu Nama Samvatsaram (Shaka Samvatsaram 1947). This holiest month in the Hindu calendar is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Kartikeya, offering devotees an unparalleled opportunity for spiritual growth and divine blessings.

Karthika Masam 2025 Overview

Start Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
End Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Duration: 30 days
Telugu Year: Viswavasu Nama Samvatsaram
Position: Eighth month in Telugu Panchangam

Karthika Masam derives its name from the Krittika Nakshatra and is deeply associated with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Kartikeya. The month holds immense spiritual power, with scriptures declaring that any good deed performed during this period yields multiplied spiritual merit.

Spiritual Significance of Karthika Masam

Why is Karthika Masam So Sacred?

The Skanda Purana emphasizes the unparalleled sanctity of this month with the verse: “There is no month equal to Karthika, no deity equal to Mahavishnu, no scripture equal to the Vedas, and no holy place equal to the Ganges”. This powerful statement highlights why millions of devotees observe special rituals throughout this month.

Lighting lamps (Karthika Deepam) during this month symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, both externally and within. The practice of Deepa Daanam (lamp donation) is considered especially meritorious during Karthika Masam.

Scriptural References

Skanda Purana: Extensively praises Karthika Masam as the best time to worship Lord Shiva and Kartikeya
Padma Purana & Narada Purana: Highlight the benefits of Karthika Snanam (holy bathing) and Deepa Daanam
Bhagavatam: Recommends reading sacred texts and performing Damodar Puja during this month

Key Festivals and Important Dates in Karthika Masam 2025

1. Bhai Dooj / Yama Dvitiya

Date: October 22, 2025 (Day 1 of Karthika Masam)
Significance: Siblings pray for each other’s longevity and well-being
Rituals: Sisters apply tilak to brothers and pray for their long life

2. Karthika Somavaram (Mondays)

Dates: October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17, 2025
Significance: Four Mondays dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to fulfill desires based on Goddess Parvati’s observance legend
Rituals: Fasting, performing abhishekam with milk and bilva leaves to Lord Shiva

3. Prabodhini Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi)

Date: November 1, 2025 (Saturday)
Ekadashi Tithi: Begins at 9:11 AM on November 1, 2025, and ends at 7:31 AM on November 2, 2025
Parana Time: November 2, 2025, between 12:55 PM and 2:47 PM

Significance:
This sacred day marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his cosmic slumber, symbolizing the end of Chaturmas and the resumption of auspicious activities. It is believed that observing this Ekadashi with devotion grants the merit of thousands of Ashwamedha Yajnas.

Key Rituals:

Observe strict fasting (nirjala or with fruits and milk)
Perform special puja to Lord Vishnu
Tulsi Vivah (ceremonial marriage of Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu)
Chant mantras: “Om Achyutaya Namah” or “Om Namo Narayanaya”
Stay awake during the night in spiritual contemplation

4. Tulsi Vivah

Date: November 1-5, 2025 (typically performed on or after Prabodhini Ekadashi)
Significance: Symbolic marriage of Tulsi Devi to Lord Vishnu/Krishna, marking the start of the Hindu wedding season
Rituals: Ceremonial marriage performed with Shaligram stone representing Lord Vishnu

5. Karthika Purnima / Karthigai Deepam

Date: November 5, 2025 (Wednesday)
Significance: Grand lamp festival celebrating Shiva as infinite Jyotirlinga and Lord Murugan’s birth. Also commemorates Lord Shiva’s destruction of Tripurasura
Rituals:

Light 365 diyas or create a bonfire (Tamil tradition)
Perform Deepotsavam in temples
Take holy bath in rivers or sacred water bodies
Offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya

6. Nagula Chavithi (Nag Chaturthi)

Date: November 8, 2025 (Saturday)
Significance: Worship of Naga Devata (serpent deities) for progeny, protection, and blessings
Rituals: Offerings of milk, turmeric, and flowers to snake idols or anthills

7. Kansa Vadh

Date: November 13, 2025
Significance: Celebration of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Kansa
Rituals: Reading Srimad Bhagavatam and recounting Krishna’s divine pastimes

8. Masa Shivaratri

Date: November 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Significance: Monthly Shiva night for spiritual elevation
Rituals: Night vigil, Linga Puja with bilva leaves, fasting, and meditation

Daily Rituals and Practices During Karthika Masam

Morning Practices

Karthika Snanam: Holy bath before sunrise, preferably in rivers or temple tanks. The sacred bath during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours) is considered highly auspicious.
Deepa Daanam: Lighting oil lamps at dawn and dusk, especially near Tulasi plants and temple entrances. This daily practice accumulates immense spiritual merit.
Tulasi Puja: Daily worship of the sacred basil plant, which is especially dear to Lord Vishnu

Fasting Practices

Many devotees observe Ekabhuktam (one meal a day) or Naktha Vratam (eating after sunset) throughout the month. Some choose to fast on specific days like Mondays (for Shiva), Thursdays (for Vishnu), or Ekadashi.

Spiritual Activities

Scripture Reading: Reading scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Siksastakam
Damodar Puja: Offering lamps and singing Damodarastakam to Lord Krishna
Temple Visits: Regular visits to Shiva and Vishnu temples
Charity: Donating food, clothes, and lamps to the needy

Regional Celebrations

Telugu States (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)

Karthika Masam is observed with great devotion, with special emphasis on Nagula Chavithi and early morning river baths.

Tamil Nadu

Known as Karthigai Deepam, the festival culminates with the lighting of a massive lamp atop Arunachala Hill, attracting thousands of devotees.

Karnataka

Devotees observe special vratas and perform elaborate Deepa Aradhana rituals in temples.

North India

Celebrated as Kartik Maas, the month includes Diwali festivities and concludes with Kartik Purnima, when devotees take holy dips in the Ganges and other sacred rivers.

Benefits of Observing Karthika Masam

Spiritual Purification: Cleansing of sins accumulated over lifetimes
Divine Blessings: Grace of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Kartikeya
Ancestral Liberation: Helping deceased ancestors attain moksha
Fulfillment of Desires: Material and spiritual wishes come to fruition
Inner Transformation: Victory of light over darkness within oneself
Protection: Shield from negative energies and obstacles

Important Mantras for Karthika Masam

For Lord Vishnu:

Om Namo Narayanaya
Om Achyutaya Namah
Vishnu Sahasranama

For Lord Shiva:

Om Namah Shivaya
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Rudra Ashtakam

For Lord Kartikeya:

Om Saravanabhavaya Namah
Skanda Shashti Kavacham

Do’s and Don’ts During Karthika Masam

Do’s:

Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise)
Light lamps daily with ghee or sesame oil
Take holy baths in rivers or temple tanks
Observe fasting with devotion
Perform charity and feed the poor
Chant mantras and read sacred texts
Visit Shiva and Vishnu temples regularly

Don’ts:

Avoid consuming grains on Ekadashi
Refrain from negative thoughts and speech
Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol
Don’t skip daily lamp lighting
Avoid unnecessary arguments and conflicts

Special Temple Celebrations

During Karthika Masam 2025, major temples across India host special events:

Tirupati Balaji Temple: Extended darshan hours and special abhishekams
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai: Grand Karthigai Deepam festival
Srisailam Temple: Mahapashupatha Homam and special pujas
Simhachalam Temple: Elaborate Deepotsavam celebrations
Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada: Special Durga Alankaram programs

Conclusion

Karthika Masam 2025 presents a divine opportunity for spiritual seekers to deepen their devotion and transform their lives. From October 22 to November 20, these 30 sacred days offer unique spiritual opportunities for purification, divine grace, and inner illumination.

By observing the rituals, fasting with devotion, lighting lamps daily, and maintaining spiritual discipline, devotees can experience the full blessings of this holiest month. Whether you seek material prosperity, spiritual liberation, or simply wish to grow closer to the divine, Karthika Masam provides the perfect sacred window.

May the divine light of Karthika Masam illuminate your path and bless you with peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Om Namah Shivaya | Om Namo Narayanaya | Har Har Mahadev

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When does Karthika Masam 2025 start and end?
A: Karthika Masam 2025 begins on October 22, 2025, and ends on November 20, 2025.

Q2: Why is Karthika Masam considered the holiest month?
A: The Skanda Purana declares there is no month equal to Karthika for spiritual merit, making it supremely auspicious for worship and devotion.

Q3: What is the significance of lighting lamps during Karthika Masam?
A: Lighting lamps (Deepa Daanam) symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is believed to grant immense spiritual merit.

Q4: When is Prabodhini Ekadashi in 2025?
A: Prabodhini Ekadashi falls on November 1, 2025, with the Ekadashi tithi beginning at 9:11 AM.

Q5: Can I eat during Karthika Masam fasting?
A: Devotees can choose different fasting levels: complete water-only fast, fruits and milk, or one meal per day (Ekabhuktam).

Q6: What are the four Karthika Somavaram dates in 2025?
A: The four auspicious Mondays are October 27, November 3, November 10, and November 17, 2025.

Q7: When is Karthika Purnima 2025?
A: Karthika Purnima, the full moon day, is on November 5, 2025.