The month of Kartik (October – November) is the eighth month of Hindu calendar. This month is entrusted with several major festival such as Diwali, Kartika Purinima, Chatt Puja etc and the Hindus consider the month as the most auspicious month of the year. Everyday of the month is celebrated as a festival and the men and women observe special rituals to purify themselves.

Kartik month 2009 begins on 5th October and ends on 2nd November in the Northern states of India such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh. However, the Kartik month starts 15 days late in South India. In states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharastra and Gujrat, the Kartik month begins on 19th October and ends on 16th November.

Sacredness of Kartik Month: The Legend

Sacred Literatures such as Vedas and Puranas describes: As Satya yuga is the best of yugas, as the vedas are the best of scriptures, as ganga is the best of rivers, so kartika is the best of months and is dear to Lord Krishna.

Padma Purana describes the legend of Matsya Avatara of Lord Krishna: Once Satyabhama wanted to know about the holiness of Kartik month. In reply, Lord Krishna explains her the wonderful pastime of His incarnation as fish (Matsya).

Once the demon known as Sankha Asura (Conch Shell demon) stole the Vedas hid them under the sea. He was very powerful demon who harrased everyone by his stealing nature. To kill him and get the Vedas back, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu incarnates as a fish and restores the Vedas by killing him. It is said that the incarnation of Matsya Avatar has taken place on the 11th day of month Kartik. Since importance of Vedas were revived during this month it is considered the most sacred month.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Hindus spent the whole month of Kartik observing rituals and celebrating festivals. Some of the rituals and customs observed in Kartik month are:

• Strictly avoding non-vegitarian food including egg and mushrooms.
• People take early morning bath and ceremonial baths and Holy baths in rivers like Ganges.
• Light diyas or offer lamps every evening.
• Perform Holy Bath or Abhishekam to Shivalingam.
• Stay awake late in nights and chant the Holy Names of the Lord.
• Worship Tulasi plant by offering water and lamp.
• Perfom austerities such as strict celebacy and eating once in a day.
• Take part in charity like donating liberally to temples and distributing food to the poor (Anna Danam).
• Recite atleast one chapter of Kartika Puranam everyday.