Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima 2026: Date, Deepdan, Ganga Snan and Significance
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Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima 2026 fall on Tuesday, 24 November. Varanasi's Dev Deepawali, deepdan, Ganga snan, Tripurari Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Dev Diwali 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November, and it is also Kartik Purnima. The Purnima tithi runs from the night of 23 November into the evening of 24 November, and the bathing and puja are observed on 24 November by the udaya tithi. It comes about fifteen days after Diwali.
**Key Takeaways** - Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 - Lakhs of lamps are lit on the Ganga ghats of Varanasi (Kashi) to mark it - Ganga snan, deepdan and charity are considered especially meaningful on this day - The same tithi is linked to Shiva's Tripurari story, Guru Nanak Jayanti and the close of the Pushkar fair - The start and end of the Purnima tithi vary by city, so check your local panchang
Dev Diwali 2026 Date
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Dev Diwali / Kartik Purnima |
| Date | Tuesday, 24 November 2026 |
| Purnima tithi | From the night of 23 November to the evening of 24 November |
The start and end of the tithi are printed slightly differently across panchangs, so check your own city's panchang here to fix the time for snan and deepdan.
Why Is Dev Diwali Celebrated?
It is believed that on Kartik Purnima the gods descend to celebrate Diwali on earth, especially at the Ganga's banks in Kashi, hence the name Dev Diwali. The tithi is also linked to Tripurari Purnima, because according to the legend Shiva destroyed the demon Tripurasura on this day, which is why he is called Tripurari.
Dev Diwali in Kashi
In Varanasi, lakhs of lamps are lit on the Ganga ghats on this day. The ghat steps glow with lamps and a grand Ganga aarti is held. Devotees come from far and wide to see the sight. Also read about the nearby Kashi Vishwanath: history and significance.
How to Observe It at Home
- 1.Bathe in the morning in the Ganga or any sacred river. If that isn't possible, add a little Gangajal to your bathing water.
- 2.In the evening light lamps at the door, near Tulsi and at the puja space. Read the lamp's significance here.
- 3.Worship Vishnu, Shiva or your own ishta devata. The Shiv aarti and Vishnu aarti can also be sung.
- 4.Donate grain, clothing or lamps according to your means.
Other Observances on Kartik Purnima
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Prakash Parv) is also celebrated on Kartik Purnima. In Pushkar, Rajasthan, the Pushkar fair closes around this time. The tradition of deepdan and river bathing runs through the whole month of Kartik, and this Purnima is regarded as its culmination. Read more in Kartik Maas 2026: rules, deepdan and Tulsi puja.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dev Diwali in 2026?
Dev Diwali and Kartik Purnima 2026 are on Tuesday, 24 November. The Purnima tithi runs from the night of 23 November to the evening of 24 November.
Why is Dev Diwali celebrated?
It is believed that on Kartik Purnima the gods descend to celebrate Diwali on earth, especially at the Ganga in Kashi. On this tithi Shiva also destroyed Tripurasura.
Where is Dev Diwali most famous?
In Varanasi (Kashi), where lakhs of lamps are lit on the Ganga ghats and a grand Ganga aarti is held.
What else is observed on Kartik Purnima?
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Prakash Parv) is celebrated on this day, and the Pushkar fair closes around the same time.