Kartik Purnima: The Festival of Holy Dips

Kartik Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, is a highly auspicious day for Hindus. In Bihar, the festival is marked by mass ritual bathing in the sacred waters of the Ganges and other rivers like the Gandak. It is believed that a holy dip on this day can wash away one's sins. For more on Bihar's rivers, see Rivers of Bihar. It is one of the most important Festivals of Bihar.,The festival is also known as 'Deva-Diwali' - the Diwali of the Gods. Ghats along the rivers are beautifully illuminated with thousands of earthen lamps in the evening, creating a divine atmosphere. The day is also associated with charity, and people donate food and clothes to the needy.,In Bihar, Kartik Purnima holds special significance as it marks the official beginning of the world-famous Sonepur Mela. Pilgrims who come for the holy dip also participate in the fair, making it a grand confluence of faith, culture, and commerce.

Keywords: kartik purnima, sonepur mela, holy dip ganges, bihar festivals, deva diwali