Kartik Purnima 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November. The same day brings Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, Guru Nanak Jayanti and the holy dip at Pushkar, so it is a busy travel date across India. Fly into the city nearest your destination, arrive a day early, and book flights well ahead.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Kartik Purnima is the full moon of the month of Kartik, and it gathers several celebrations into one day. If you want to be in Varanasi, Pushkar or Amritsar, your flights are best sorted early.
When is Kartik Purnima in 2026?
Kartik Purnima 2026 is on Tuesday, 24 November. Panchang-based sources, including Drik Panchang for its Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartika listings, place Kartik Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti on the same day. Hindutone’s Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali guides give the same date for Varanasi. One tourism blog gave Wednesday, 25 November, but that looks like an outlier against the panchang sources.
The full moon tithi runs across parts of two calendar days, so some local observances may be fixed by the local priest or the Sikh authorities. If a ritual timing matters to you, confirm it for your city before you travel.
What happens in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali?
Dev Deepawali, sometimes called the Diwali of the gods, is celebrated in Varanasi on Kartik Purnima. In the evening the ghats along the Ganga are lit with lamps, and the aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is on a larger scale than on a normal night. It is one of the most photographed evenings in the city, and it brings big crowds.
Did you know that Dev Deepawali comes about two weeks after Diwali? In 2026, Diwali is on Sunday 8 November, and Dev Deepawali on 24 November, so a trip can sit comfortably in one longer holiday plan for those who have the leave.
For travel to Varanasi, the nearest airport is the city’s own, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Rooms near the ghats are in demand, so confirm your stay before booking the flight.
What about Pushkar and Guru Nanak Jayanti?
On the same day, Pushkar in Rajasthan holds its Kartik Purnima holy dip at Pushkar Lake. Drik Panchang lists the Pushkara Snana on 24 November. The Pushkar fair is held around this time, but guides disagree on its exact dates, with start and end days differing by a day or more. Rajasthan Tourism announces the official schedule, so check it before you book. Jaipur is a common gateway for Pushkar, followed by a road journey.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, is also marked on Kartik Purnima, and Drik Panchang lists it on 24 November 2026 for India. Many travellers head to Amritsar for the occasion, where Sri Harmandir Sahib is a focus of celebration. Some gurdwaras follow the date announced by Sikh authorities, so check with yours.
The Sonepur Mela in Bihar is also linked to Kartik Purnima, and a Patna news report suggests it may open around 22 November.
How should you plan flights around 24 November?
This is a high-demand date in several cities at once, which usually pushes fares up. A few steps help.
- Book early. Fares usually rise as the date approaches.
- Arrive on 23 November if you can. Evening crowds and road diversions make same-day arrival risky for an evening event.
- Be flexible on the return. The day after the full moon is also busy, so a calm morning flight is often easier than a late one.
- Compare nearby airports. For example, Jaipur for Pushkar, and Amritsar for the Golden Temple.
- Travel light. Ghats and old city lanes mean walking, and a small cabin bag is easier to carry.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi falls on Friday, 20 November, just before Kartik Purnima, so the week from 20 to 24 November is full of observances and travel.
What should you pack and keep in mind?
Late November is cool in north India, especially by the river in the evening, so a light jacket or shawl is useful. Wear footwear that is easy to remove, since temples, gurdwaras and ghats often ask you to leave shoes outside, and keep a small cloth bag for them.
Carry a valid government photo ID for your flight and keep digital copies on your phone. If you are bringing puja items or flowers, pack them in your checked bag where you can, and ask your airline if you are unsure about an item. Keep offerings simple and vegetarian, in line with the customs of the places you visit.
Crowd management is handled by local authorities, and they may restrict vehicles near the main ghats or temples on the evening itself. Plan to walk the last stretch, keep your group together, and agree on a meeting point. Mobile networks can be slow when crowds are large, so do not rely only on your phone to find each other.
Common Questions
What is the date of Kartik Purnima 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
Is Dev Deepawali on the same day?
Yes. In Varanasi, Dev Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, which is 24 November in 2026.
Is Guru Nanak Jayanti on Kartik Purnima?
Yes, Drik Panchang lists Guru Nanak Jayanti on 24 November 2026. Some gurdwaras follow the date announced by Sikh authorities, so confirm locally.
Which airport should I use for Varanasi?
Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the city’s own airport.
Which airport is best for Pushkar?
Jaipur is a common gateway, followed by a road transfer. Check the road time with a current map.
Is airport check-in charged?
Web check-in and airport check-in are free on every Indian airline.
Planning a Kartik Purnima trip? Search and compare flights on HappyFares, pay zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, and set a price alert so you can book when the fare suits you.
Festival timings, rules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, DGCA, the airport or the local authority before you travel.
