The thirtieth date of Kartik month is celebrated as “Kartik Amavasya”. Amavasya has been of special importance in Hinduism. The Amavasya that comes in every month has something special in one form or the other. During Amavasya, which comes once in every month, charity and Snan are very important. In this sequence, Amavasya which falls in Kartik month has its own special significance. On this day, in addition to remembering forefathers, Ganga Snan is also done.
On this day, special importance has also been given to Tarpan, Pind Daan and charity for the ancestors. Not only this, any person who is constantly troubled by debt, financial troubles, etc., should especially worship Hanuman on this day. According to Vishnu Purana, fasting should be observed on Kartik Amavasya. Fasting, along with Pitrigan appeases the nine planets, the sun, constellations, five elements named Agni, Vayu etc.
Kartik Amavasya Muhurat
Amavasya commences from 15:53 on 31 October, 2024.
Amavasya ends at 18:17 on 01 November, 2024.
Diwali is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya
The festival of Deepawali is celebrated on the new moon day of Kartik month. On this day, lamps are kept lit throughout the night. This is considered to be extremely beneficial. Along with celebrating Diwali, on this day, offerings are done to ancestors and charity is done. According to a mythological belief, Lord Shri Krishna himself has stated several facts about Kartik Amavasya in Mahabharata.
Lakshmi Puja is done on Kartik Amavasya
Lakshmi is worshiped on the day of Kartik Amavasya. There is an age old tradition to worship Lakshmi at the night time of Amavasya. On this day Kuber ji is also worshiped.
Importance of lighting a lamp on Kartik Amavasya
It is ideal to take a bath before sunrise on Amavasya. Snan, especially in sacred rivers and Puja on Amavasya have special importance. Doing Deep Daan on Amavasya is another age old tradition that is followed. It is done in temples, rivers and is also done in the sky. Brahmin Bhoj, Gai Daan, Tulsi Daan, Avla Daan and Anna Daan are also important. Deep Daan is done as an expression of joy on Rama’s return to Ayodhya. The lamps are also believed to throw light on paths that the forefathers need to follow on Amavasya. In both these contexts, the tradition of lighting lamps in Kartik month has been going on since ancient times.
Tulsi Puja on Kartik Amavasya
Worshipping Tulsi Kartik Amavasya has special significance. It is believed that worshipping Tulsi brings blessings of Lord Vishnu. Devotees can please Lord Vishnu by worshiping Tulsi. On the Amavasya of this month water is offered to Tulsi and Surya after bathing on Amavasya, both are worshipped. Tulsi plant is also donated on Kartik Amavasya. Tulsi Puja not only eliminates diseases, sorrows of the house, but also leads to the acquisition of the meaning of life, religion, work and salvation.
Karthik Amavasya Katha
There are many stories and mythological incidents related to Kartik Amavasya. Religious texts and Mantras are recited on this day. Rituals related to Mantras are also performed on this day. The Kartik Amavasya story is as follows:
Once on the new moon day of Kartik month, Goddess Lakshmi decides to visit the earth. However, as it was Amavasya she is not able to judge directions correctly because of an immense darkness. Goddess Lakshmi wanders off and loses her way. After a while she spots lit lamps. When Devi goes near the source of the light, she finds a hut There, an old woman was lighting lamps outside her house with the door of the hut open. After having lit several lamps she sits in the courtyard to do her work.
Goddess Lakshmi requests the old lady for a place to stay there overnight. The old lady arranges a place and a bed etc. so that Goddess Lakshmi can rest peacefully. Goddess Lakshmi stops there to rest. The old lady’s service and dedication pleases her. The old lady continues to work and falls asleep while working.
The next day, when the old woman woke up, her ordinary hut had been converted into a beautiful house similar to a palace. Her house was filled with wealth and food. There was no shortage of anything. The old lady did not realize in her sleep when Mata Lakshmi had left. The old lady realises that all this has happened on account of Mata Lakshmi. Mata Lakshmi then appears in front of the old lady and tells her ‘All those who will light lamps on Kartik Amavasya and lead the way for me by warding away darkness will always receive my blessings.’ Ever since the tradition to worship Goddess Lakshmi and light lamps on Kartik Amavasya has begun. It is considered auspicious to worship Goddess Lakshmi with Puja Path, switch on lights and keep home doors open for the arrival of Mata Lakshmi on Kartik Amavasya.
Kartik Amavasya importance and various festival forms
Kartik Amavasya is one such day that represents the confluence of various reasons indicative of the same emotion. Similarly, there are several mythological beliefs and stories related to this day which increase the importance of this day manifold. Many types of rituals are performed at this time. Be it Tantra or Mantra, all the rituals finally convey the emotion of victory of good over bad.
Around this time Ram arrives back to Ayodhya from his Vanvas leading to a festive mood all around. At the same time Lord Krishna saves people from Narakasura by killing him. In some places Hanuman Janmotsav is celebrated and of course lamps are lit for the arrival of Lakshmi ji. There are several such stories and festivals that depict the importance of Kartik Amavasya festival.