Kartika Month - Meaning, Significance, Festivals

The Kartika Maasam gets its name from “Damodar” that happens to be the name of Lord Krishna. Kartika month happens to be the most auspicious month that gives the greatest pleasure and unbound happiness.

Significance of the Kartika month

This month of the Hindu calendar is very dear to Lord Krishna. It signifies Bhakta Vatsalya, which means unbound paternal affection. Devotees strongly believe that any vrata or good deed will yield everlasting good results. It’s a belief that the effect of performing good deeds will last for hundreds of years. Kartika Hindu Month is all about Lord Krishna, glorifying his lifestyle and worshipping him with utmost devotion.

Kartika in the words of Brahma

Brahma tells Narda that Kartika maasa is the best to worship Narayana. Narayana is the supreme among all the deities. Here are some excerpts from the Puranas that describe the significance of the month of Kartika:

Worshipping Lord Shri Hari during this month helps gain the Lord’s abode.

Whoever burns a lamp even for a short time in Lord Shri Hari’s temple gets rid of all the sins

Eating only one meal a day during the entire month makes the person famous and powerful.

An image of Lord Narayana — **Kartika month witnesses the worship of Lord Narayana, commonly known as Lord Vishnu**

Receding the Bhagavad Gita during the month of Kartika helps attain moksha.

Gifting a divine lamp during Kartika Month is unequal in comparison to any other gift.

The results coming from bathing in all holy places and donating to several charities come nowhere close to that coming from following the rituals of Kartika maasa.

The importance of Kartika month

The Importance of Kartika Month reflects in the following practices and rituals that give unmatchable results:

Devotees should offer a ghee lamp to Krishna and sing the Damodarastakam
Always remember the Supreme Lord Hari and perform more Harinam Chanting.
Listen to Srimad Bhagavatam before performing any other duties. Make sure to hear the scriptures from sadhus. Read Gajendra Moksha Lila-stava from 8th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. This particular part teaches you to completely surrender to the Supreme Lord
It’s advisable to eat only the prasadam during this month to gain maximum benefits
Recite Siksastaka of Sriman Chaitanya Mahaprabhu every day of this month. Meditating to this is also very beneficial.
You should also make it a point to read the Updeshamrata of Srila Rupa Goswami
Light a lamp to Tulsi Devi while also praying for eternal residence in Vrndavana.
Associate yourself more with devotees and practice brahmacharya

Festivals associated with Kartika Month

Kartika month is always known as the best month of the year to become one with the supreme. It is the sin-destroying month and almost overlaps with October & November in the English calendar. This is the month that grants worldly pleasures and salvation.

The festivals having a grand celebration during the Kartika Month are:

Karwa Chauth

It is the most famous occasion, especially in North India. Married women observe fast starting from sunrise till moonrise. They believe that fasting will induce the well-being and prosperity of their husbands.

Women performing Karva Chauth festival during kartika month — **Women performing Karva Chauth festival**

Ahoi Ashtami

This is another famous North Indian festival during Katika month where mothers observe a fast from dawn to dusk. It’s done with the belief that it will ensure the well-being of their sons.

Rama Ekadashi

It is one of the prominent ekadashis among twenty four Ekadashi vrats. Devotees of Lord Vishnu observe this occasion to seek his blessings.

Narak Chaturdashi

The occasion marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaudas are other names of this grand festival.

Lakshmi Puja

The first five days of Diwali festival concentrates on the auspicious Lakshmi puja. This puja is the most important occasion of Diwali.

Govardhan Puja

The day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Indra. Devotees celebrate this day as Annakut Puja, Bali Pratipada and New Year day.

Gowardhan Puja celebration in Kartika month — **Gowardhan Puja**

Bhaiya Dooj

It’s the occasion for sisters to pray for their brothers’ welfare and happiness by performing Teeka ceremony. This day, brothers offer gifts to their sisters.

Chhath Puja

The Sun God, Surya, is the god of energy and the life-force on earth. Chhath Puja celebrations take place to promote overall well-being, prosperity and progress.