Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Amavasya

Kartik Amavasya

Also called: Diwali Amavasya, Deepawali Lakshmi Puja

Unlike all other Amavasyas which emphasize quiet ancestral remembrance, Kartik Amavasya is a night of supreme celebration, joy, and light. It is the night of Diwali (Deepawali), when millions of clay lamps illuminate the dark night to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and celebrate Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya.

Key facts

Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Lunar month
Kartik (Purnimanta); Ashwin (Amanta)
Deities
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber, Lord Rama

The story

Puranas describe Goddess Lakshmi emerging from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) on this tithi, choosing Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort. The Ramayana recounts the citizens of Ayodhya illuminating the entire city with ghee lamps to welcome Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana after their fourteen-year exile.

Practices

  • Morning ancestral remembrance followed by extensive household cleaning and decoration
  • Evening Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja with gold/silver coins, lotus flowers, and sweets
  • Lighting hundreds of clay diyas along doors, windows, and courtyards
  • Opening new financial account books (Chopda Pujan) by traders

Regional variations

  • In West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, the night is celebrated as Shyama Puja (worship of Goddess Kali)

Common questions

Can ancestral Tarpan be performed on Kartik Amavasya?
Yes. Devotees perform ancestral Tarpan during the daytime morning hours, while the evening and night are reserved exclusively for Lakshmi Puja and Diwali celebrations.

Types of Amavasya