Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the fifteenth
lunar day of the month of Kartik. It is an auspicious day for the followers of
Hinduism and Jainism, known by several different names like Tripuri Purnima and
Tripurari Purnima. It is observed in several areas of the country and this year
it falls on November 19. The Purnima Tithi begins on November 18 and ends the
following day.

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The day is celebrated in the holiest month
of the Hindu calender – Kartik. Followers honour Lord Shiva in his avatar as
Matsya or Matsyavatram on Kartik Purnima. It is said to be the first avatar of
Lord Vishnu out of a total of ten avatars.

As ‘Matsya’ the god takes the avatar of a
giant fish in order to rescue Manu – the first man. Another legend associated with
the day is that Lord Shiva killed the demon king named Tripurasura, hence the
festival being named Tripuri Purnima or Tripurari Purnima.

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Kartik Purnima is also celebrated as ‘Dev
Deepavali’ in some regions of the country. According to some Hindu legends,
Gods came to the Earth in the sacred rivers on this day. Hence, anyone who
takes a dip in the holy sacred rivers on Kartik Purnima will be blessed by the
Gods.

The festival is closely linked with the
Prabodhini Ekadashi. A number of fairs that commenced on Prabhodini Ekadashi
are concluded on the Kartik Purnima. Several temples are filled with people
making offerings to the deities. Some even refrain from engaging in activities
like shaving and cutting of trees.

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The Prabodhini Ekadasi is a day that marks
the end of the four month long Chaturmas Vrat. It is held to honour Lord
Brahma.

The followers of Jainism make a visit to
the Palitana – a pilgrimage centre. Some of them even go to the foothills of Shatrunjay
Hills of Palitana taluka, a journey that is considered to be auspicious.