Kartika Poornima (Kartika Purnima) is a Hindu festival, celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartika (November–December) which in 2014 is today November 06. It is also known as Tripuri Poornima and Tripurari Poornima.
Kartik month (November-December) is considered to be an auspicious month to perform religious ceremonies. It is believed to give results equivalent to visiting all the pilgrimages as well as the benefits derived from performing Yagnas.
Kartik poornima is also the birthday of Matsya, Lord Vishnu‘s fish-incarnation (Avatar). It is also the birthday of Vrinda, the personification of the Tulsi plant and of Kartikeya, the son of Shiva. This day also is considered special for Radha, the lover of Krishna – Vishnu’s incarnation. It is believed that Krishna and Radha danced Rasa and Krishna worshipped Radha on this day. This day is also dedicated to the Pitris (ancestors) as well.
Those who perform the rituals and take a dip in the Ganges or oceans will be blessed with happiness, prosperity and health as well. It is believed performing bathing rituals in the Kartik month have special significance in Hindu culture; it gives relief from the sufferings and sins of life.
More importantly, the feminine aspect of God, Maataa Ganga (Mother Ganga) is venerated and worshipped and thanks being given to one of the five elements (water). No life can be sustained without water; hence, the Hindus take this day to give thanks to God for providing this element along with the others.
