In short
- Kartik 2026: 27 October to 24 November (purnimanta reckoning).
- Called Damodar maas in Vaishnava tradition.
- Lamps are offered every evening: deep daan.
- Expect heavy crowds, especially at weekends and on the festival days.
Why it is called Damodar maas
In Vaishnava tradition Kartik is the month of Damodar: Krishna as the child bound at the waist (dama, rope; udara, belly) by Yashoda. The Damodarashtakam is sung through the month, and offering a small ghee lamp while it is sung is the best-known practice.
Deep daan
Every evening of Kartik, devotees offer lamps at home, in temples and at the Yamuna ghats. Nothing elaborate is needed: one lamp, offered daily, is the whole practice. At the river, take care on steps and with clothing near flames.
One lamp, every evening, for the whole month.
Parikrama and daily practice
Many visitors walk the Vrindavan parikrama of roughly 10 km during Kartik, and many householders keep simple vows for the month: rising early, a fixed amount of japa, avoiding onion and garlic. Choose a vow you can keep for thirty days rather than one you will break on day four.
Visiting in Kartik
- Book rooms early; weekends and the Ekadashi and Purnima days fill first
- Walk rather than drive inside town; the lanes jam
- Carry little, keep phones and footwear secure
- For getting there, see the 2-day Vrindavan plan
This site does not publish darshan or satsang timings at the ashram, which change; follow the official channels.
The month and the name
Whatever the festival, the practice he teaches stays the same: the name. See how to start naam jap or keep count with the naam jap counter.
Dates and sources
| Day | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Kartik month begins (purnimanta) | Tue 27 October |
| Dev Uthani Ekadashi (many Vaishnavas keep Sat 21) | Fri 20 November |
| Tulsi Vivah | Sat 21 November |
| Kartik Purnima, Dev Diwali | Tue 24 November |
Dates are as published by panchang sources for New Delhi; tithi start and end times shift by location, so confirm with your local panchang or temple. Sources consulted: Divine Hindu, Divine Hindu (Kartik 2026), Wikipedia: Prabodhini Ekadashi, Wikipedia: Kartika Purnima.
This is a fan website, not the official site of Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj. The article summarises what he teaches in public satsang; it does not quote him. If something here is wrong, tell us and it is corrected the same week.
