Kartik Purnima 2024 in the UK: Date, Timings, and Significance

Celebrate Kartik Purnima 2024 in the UK on November 15. Learn about the date, timings, and significance of this auspicious day, including moonrise at 15:30 PM and Purnima Tithi from 00:49 AM to 21:28 PM. Perfect for Tulasi Vivah and Dev Diwali celebrations.

Kartik Purnima 2024 date and timings in the UK

Kartik Purnima in 2024 will be observed on Friday, November 15, in the UK. The Purnima Tithi (full moon phase) will begin at 00:49 AM (local time) and end at 21:28 PM on the same day. The moon will rise at 15:30 PM, making the evening hours particularly auspicious for prayers and rituals. This day holds immense spiritual significance, especially for those observing rituals like the Tulasi Vivah and Dev Diwali, with many devotees choosing to light lamps and offer prayers in the evening hours. In the UK, this timing offers an ideal opportunity for families to gather in temples or at home to celebrate and seek blessings.

Significance of Kartik Purnima in the UK

Kartik Purnima is considered the holiest full moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In the UK, Kartik Purnima is often celebrated with prayers, rituals, and by lighting thousands of diyas (oil lamps) to honor Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The day is also marked by religious observances, including Tulasi Vivah, Dev Diwali, and Bhishma Panchaka, all of which have cultural and spiritual importance for devotees across the UK.

For Hindus residing in the UK, especially those in regions with vibrant Indian communities like Leicester, Birmingham, and London, Kartik Purnima offers an occasion to gather at temples and participate in traditional rituals. The light of diyas, the sound of prayers, and the sharing of sweets create an atmosphere of devotion and festivity in the communities.

Kartik Purnima Celebrations in the UK

In the UK, the celebration of Kartik Purnima typically takes place with family gatherings, religious rituals, and visits to temples. Here's how it is observed:

1. Holy Dip in Sacred Rivers: While the practice of taking a holy dip in the Ganges is a tradition in India, UK devotees symbolically partake in this ritual through spiritual cleansings at home. Some temples in the UK may also hold special water ceremonies or distribute sacred water from the Ganges during this time.

2. Lighting of Diyas (Earthen Lamps): Just like Diwali, lighting diyas is a central part of Kartik Purnima. In the UK, many temples and homes decorate their premises with oil lamps to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Temples in London, Leicester, and Birmingham are especially known for their grand displays.

3. Tulasi Vivah: The Tulasi Vivah, the symbolic marriage of Goddess Tulasi and Lord Shaligram, is observed in many UK homes and temples. This ritual, which is of special significance in Vaishnavism, celebrates the unity between nature and divine power.

4. Dev Diwali (Diwali of the Gods): Kartik Purnima is also known as Dev Diwali, the Diwali of Gods, where thousands of lamps are lit to honor the divine. UK-based devotees engage in special prayers and evening aarti at temples like the Shri Sanatan Hindu Union Temple in Leicester, which offers a space for the community to gather and celebrate.

5. Bhishma Panchaka: Many UK devotees observe Bhishma Panchaka, the five-day fasting period leading up to Kartik Purnima, in which people focus on fasting, prayer, and meditation. This is especially significant among those following the Vaishnava tradition.

Conclusion

Kartik Purnima is an important spiritual event for Hindus in the UK, offering an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and devotion. From lighting diyas and taking part in Tulasi Vivah to attending Dev Diwali celebrations, Kartik Purnima is a time of joy and reverence. By observing these rituals, UK-based devotees connect with their faith, honor the divine, and embrace the spiritual significance of this auspicious day.

For those celebrating in the UK, this is an opportunity to join in communal worship, visit temples, and share the joy of the festival with family and friends. Whether you’re in London, Birmingham, or any part of the UK, Kartik Purnima 2024 promises to be a day of immense spiritual benefit and celebration.