Karthika Purnima/Gurunanak Jayanthi

Karthika Purnima is an important and widely celebrated Hindu festival that falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Karthika (which typically corresponds to November or December in the Gregorian calendar). The festival holds significant religious and cultural importance, particularly in regions of South India, Maharashtra, and parts of North India, and is associated with various spiritual observances and rituals.

Significance of Karthika Purnima:
Connection to Lord Shiva:

Karthika Purnima is considered an auspicious day for the worship of Lord Shiva, particularly in many temples across South India. The festival is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva is worshipped in special ceremonies and rituals.
According to mythology, it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva took the form of Ardhanarishvara (the half-male, half-female form), symbolizing the unity of the divine masculine and feminine energies.
Karthika Deepam (Lighting of Lamps):

One of the key features of Karthika Purnima is the lighting of lamps or diyas. This is a tradition that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In many places, people light thousands of lamps in their homes, temples, and along riversides, creating beautiful illuminations that hold spiritual significance.
The Karthika Deepam tradition is particularly prominent in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where people light lamps to invoke blessings of prosperity, peace, and spiritual well-being.
Religious and Spiritual Observances:

Fasting and Prayers: On this day, many devotees observe fasts, engage in prayers, and perform special rituals to seek blessings from deities. Many visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, or Goddess Lakshmi to offer their prayers and perform puja.
Recitation of Holy Texts: The recitation of sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Lord Vishnu) or the Shiva Ashtakshara Mantra is common among devotees.
The Story of the Karthika Star and Lord Kartikeya:

Karthika Purnima is also linked to the story of Lord Kartikeya (also called Murugan in South India), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that on this day, Lord Kartikeya defeated the demon Tarakasura, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Some regions celebrate Karthika Purnima as the day when Lord Kartikeya was born, and his worship is central to the festivities.
Ganga Snan (Bathing in Rivers):

In some parts of North India, especially in Varanasi and along the Ganges River, Karthika Purnima is considered an auspicious day for bathing in holy rivers. This is believed to cleanse the soul and purify the devotee, much like the significance of Kumbh Mela for devotees who take a dip in the sacred river.
Kartik Somvar Vrat (Fasting on Mondays):

Karthika Purnima also coincides with the culmination of the Kartik Somvar Vrat, a fast dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast on every Monday of the Karthika month. It is believed that fasting during this period, particularly on the full moon day, brings health, wealth, and spiritual benefits.
Cultural and Regional Celebrations:
In South India:

Karthika Purnima is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Devotees light lamps in their homes, temples, and along riverbanks, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Karthika Deepam in Thiruvannamalai (Tamil Nadu) is a major event, where a grand procession takes place, and a large light is lit on Arunachala Hill to mark the occasion. It is considered one of the largest gatherings for Diwali-like celebrations during the Karthika month.
In Maharashtra:

Karthika Purnima is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and the lighting of lamps. In Maharashtra, this day is also linked to the celebration of Tripuri Purnima, a festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, where devotees light thousands of lamps.
In North India:

In regions like Varanasi and Haridwar, Karthika Purnima is a day for the Ganga Snan (bathing in the Ganges). Many people visit these places to take a ritual bath in the river, believing it purifies the soul and removes sins.
In Jainism:

For Jains, Karthika Purnima is a significant day as it marks the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankara) in 527 BCE. Jains commemorate this day with prayers and offerings, seeking blessings for spiritual progress.
Rituals and Customs:
Lighting Lamps and Diyas:

On Karthika Purnima, people decorate their homes with diyas and oil lamps. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the welcoming of light (knowledge and prosperity).
In many parts of India, people decorate their homes, temples, and streets with a large number of lamps.
Visiting Temples:

Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Kartikeya to seek divine blessings. Special pujas are performed, and offerings are made in temples, especially in regions with large Shiva or Vishnu temples.
Offering Prayers and Fasting:

Many devotees observe fasting on this day, dedicating themselves to the worship of deities. Special prayers and mantras are recited during the Karthika Purnima Puja.
Ganga Snan:

Devotees believe that taking a ritual bath in the Ganges or other holy rivers on this day purifies the body and soul, washing away sins and granting spiritual merit.
Feasts and Sweets:

Traditional feasts are held, and sweets and special delicacies are prepared and shared among family members and friends. In some places, food is also offered to the poor and needy as an act of charity.
Conclusion:
Karthika Purnima is a festival rich in spiritual significance, marking the victory of light over darkness, and is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Lakshmi. It is a time for purification, prayer, and reflection, and the lighting of lamps symbolizes the triumph of divine knowledge and goodness over ignorance and evil. Whether through fasting, bathing in holy rivers, or performing rituals in temples, Karthika Purnima serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual awakening, good deeds, and devotion.