Karthika Masam 2026: Complete List of Festivals and Auspicious Dates

Karthika Masam holds a special place in the Hindu calendar and is considered particularly sacred by devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is traditionally associated with daily lamp lighting, Tulasi worship, Shiva Abhishekam and fasting. The month derives its name from the Krittika Nakshatra, under which the full moon is traditionally believed to occur during this period. In 2026, Karthika Masam begins on Tuesday, November 10, and concludes on Tuesday, December 8. Several important religious festivals, temple celebrations and observances are scheduled throughout the month.

The major dates include Bali Padyami and the beginning of Akasa Deepam on November 10, Nagula Chavithi on November 13, Prabodhini Ekadashi on November 20, and Ksheerabdi Dwadashi and Kaisika Dwadashi on November 21. Karthika Pournami, Guru Nanak Jayanti and the Jwala Toranam celebrations fall on November 24. Other observances include Yagnavalkya Jayanti, Koti Somavaram, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Sarva Ekadashi and Masa Shivaratri. Several special events are also scheduled at Tirumala, Tirupati, Tiruchanur and Nagalapuram temples. Devotees observe these sacred days through prayers, rituals and traditional practices. The dates and observances listed here are based on the supplied religious calendar details.