Varanasi, November 5, 2025: Thousands of devotees thronged the ghats of Varanasi and other sacred sites across India on Wednesday to observe Kartik Purnima, one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar. The festival, which coincides with the full moon of the Kartik month, is celebrated with prayers, charity, and rituals symbolising purity and the victory of light over darkness.
In Varanasi, the ghats along the Ganga came alive as over 10 lakh earthen lamps lit up the night sky during Dev Deepawali, creating a mesmerizing view that drew pilgrims and tourists alike. Devotees took ritual baths at Dashashwamedh Ghat, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and offered lamps and prayers to seek blessings for peace and prosperity.
According to Hindu tradition, Kartik Purnima is the day when the gods descend to bathe in the Ganga, and performing rituals on this occasion is believed to bring spiritual merit and liberation. The day also marks the birth of Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and commemorates Lord Vishnu’s Matsya avatar.
Across India, the festival was celebrated with temple processions, charitable acts,
and vibrant fairs, reflecting the enduring devotion and cultural unity of the faithful.
