Kartik Purnima 2017: Devotees throng Ganga ghats in UP and Uttarakhand

Devotees in large numbers converge on the Ganga ghats in Haridwar including the famous 'Har ki Pairi' to take a holy dip in the river on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

Kartik is the eighth lunar month in Hindu calendar. The full moon day during the month of Kartik is known as Kartik Purnima. Depending on people and the region, the full moon day in Hindu calendar is also referred as Poornima, Poonam, Pournami and Pournimasi. In Vaishnava tradition Kartik month is known as Damodara month. Damodara is one of the names of Lord Krishna.

Many people take pledge to take holy dip before sunrise in Ganges and other holy rivers every day during the month of Kartik. The ritual of holy dip during Kartik month begins on the day of Sharad Purnima and ends on Kartik Purnima.

Devotees in large numbers converge on the Ganga ghats in Haridwar including the famous 'Har ki Pairi' to take a holy dip in the river on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.

The mass ritual bath is held on the banks of the river every year on the full moon night or the 15th day of the month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar.

Also, devotees have thronged the ghats in Varanasi in the wee hours for the bath and the ritual continues through the day. Besides seeking the blessings of the holy Ganga river, devotees also worship Lord Vishnu after the bath.

Muhurat

Purnima Tithi Begins = 13:46 on 3/Nov/2017
Purnima Tithi Ends = 10:52 on 4/Nov/2017

Devotees will perform Ganga Aarti

Devotees will perform Ganga Aarti on the occasion of Kartik Purnima in Varanasi on Saturday. Ganga Aarti uses fire as an offering. It's usually made in the form of a lit lamp, and in the case of the Ganges River, a small diya with a candle and flowers that's floated down the river. The offering is made to the Goddess Ganga, also affectionately referred to as Maa Ganga, goddess of the most holy river in India. PTI file Photo

Ghats in Haridwar

Ghats in Haridwar witness huge rush on the occasion of Kartik Purnima in Uttarakhand. Courtesy: ANI news

Prayers after holy dip

Women devotees offer prayers after taking holy dip in the rivers during holy month of Kartik. PTI Photo

'Khichdi Mahotsav'

Priests of Gaudiya Mission celebrates 'Khichdi Mahotsav' while distributing Khichdi to devotees during the Rass Purnima festival at Gaudiya Math and Mission head office, in Kolkarta on Friday. PTI Photo