Complete Calendar of Fasts and Festivals from Karwa Chauth and Diwali to Chhath Puja

Regarded in Vedic scriptures as the holiest and most spiritually potent lunar period of the entire year, the sacred month of Kartik officially commences on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Dedicated to the devotion of Lord Vishnu, his incarnation Lord Krishna, and the veneration of Mata Tulsi, this month is believed to bestow boundless prosperity, peace, and auspicious energy upon households observing daily deepdaan (lamp offerings) and holy river baths. Spanning across late October into late November, the lunar month serves as the centerpiece of India's festive season, bringing together major cultural celebrations such as Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Mahaparv, and Devutthana Ekadashi. Keeping track of the exact calendar dates ensures devotees plan their fasting rituals, pujas, and family gatherings with precision.

The Divine Significance of Kartik Maas: Vishnu Worship and Tulsi Seva

In Hindu philosophy, Kartik is celebrated as the month of supreme spiritual harvest:

• Lord Vishnu’s Awakening Window: The sacred period marks the concluding phase of Chaturmas, where Lord Vishnu readies to awaken from his cosmic yogic sleep (Yoganidra), making every prayer, donation, and chanting ritual manifold in its karmic rewards.

• Veneration of Mata Tulsi: Daily watering, circumambulation (pradakshina), and lighting an evening ghee lamp near the holy basil (Tulsi) plant during Kartik is considered essential for eliminating negative domestic energy and inviting Goddess Lakshmi’s grace.

• The Sacred Bath (Kartik Snan): Scriptural traditions encourage early morning pre-dawn bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or holy ponds like Radha Kund to purify the body and cultivate inner discipline.

October 2026 Festivities: From Month Inception to Karwa Chauth

The initial stretch of Kartik Maas features intense devotional vows and marital rituals:

• October 27 (Tuesday): Official commencement of Kartik month alongside the observance of Monthly Karthigai.

• October 29 (Thursday): Observance of Karwa Chauth, Rohini Vrat, and Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi. Married women undertake a strict dawn-to-moonrise waterless (nirjala) fast to pray for the longevity, health, and prosperity of their husbands.

Early November Celebrations: Ahoi Ashtami to the Grand Five-Day Diwali Carnival

The waning fortnight (Krishna Paksha) builds up toward the festival of lights with major domestic observances:

• November 2 (Monday): Ahoi Ashtami fast observed by mothers for the protection, well-being, and longevity of their children, accompanied by Radha Kund Snan, Bhanu Saptami, Kalashtami, and monthly Krishna Janmashtami.

• November 5 (Thursday): Govatsa Dwadashi (worship of cows and calves) along with the auspicious Rama Ekadashi fast.

• November 6 (Friday): Rama Ekadashi Parana (breaking of the fast), accompanied by Dhanteras (auspicious gold and metal shopping day) and Shukra Pradosh Vrat.

• November 7 (Saturday): Chhoti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas, monthly Shivratri, and Hanuman Puja.

• November 8 (Sunday): Diwali (Deepavali), Darsha Amavasya, and Kali Puja celebrated nationwide with ceremonial Lakshmi-Ganesha pujan and the illumination of clay diyas.

• November 10 (Tuesday): Govardhan Puja and Annakut Mahotsav, commemorating Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill.

• November 11 (Wednesday): Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya), honoring the sacred bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters.

Mid-to-Late November: Chhath Mahaparv, Tulsi Vivah, and Dev Diwali

The waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) culminates in rigorous sun worship and celestial celebrations:

• November 13 (Friday): Labh Chaturthi.

• November 14 (Saturday): Labh Panchami (Saubhagya Panchami), marking an auspicious day for reopening trade accounts and inaugurating new business enterprises.

• November 15 (Sunday): Chhath Puja Day 1 (Nahay-Khay) and Skanda Shashthi, initiating the 36-hour penance dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

• November 16 (Monday): Chhath Puja Day 2 (Kharna), where fasting devotees consume sacred jaggery kheer before entering the nirjala vow.

• November 17 (Tuesday): Chhath Puja Day 3 (Sandhya Arghya), offering evening oblations of holy river water and fresh seasonal produce to the setting sun.

• November 18 (Wednesday): Chhath Puja Day 4 (Usha Arghya), offering final morning prayers to the rising sun, followed by the breaking of the fast (Parana).

• November 20 (Friday): Devuthani Ekadashi (Prabodhini Ekadashi), celebrating the divine awakening of Lord Vishnu and the lifting of all seasonal prohibitions on Hindu wedding ceremonies.

• November 21 (Saturday): Tulsi Vivah, conducting the ceremonial wedding of Mata Tulsi with the Shaligram form of Lord Vishnu.

• November 22 (Sunday): Ravi Pradosh Vrat.

• November 23 (Monday): Vaikuntha Chaturdashi.

• November 24 (Tuesday): Dev Diwali, Kartik Purnima snan, and the 557th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Jayanti, concluding the holy month with the illumination of thousands of earthen lamps along the ghats of Varanasi.