Karthika Masam (October–November) is considered the holiest month in the Telugu Hindu calendar. It falls in the eighth month of the lunar year and is especially sacred to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The entire month is observed with special rituals, fasting, and lamp-lighting traditions.

Daily Rituals in Karthika Masam

Devotees wake before sunrise each day, take a bath in the river or at home, and visit the Shiva temple to offer bilva leaves and perform Abhishekam. A lamp (Deepam) is lit every evening, preferably with sesame oil, in front of the Tulasi plant and at the entrance of the house. The lamp must not be extinguished — it should burn through the night. Reading the Karthika Puranam each day is also part of the observance.

Karthika Somavara (Monday Fasts)

Every Monday in Karthika Masam is called Karthika Somavara and is observed as an important fast for Shiva devotees. Devotees fast the whole day (or until after temple visit and prayers), offer white flowers to Shiva, and break the fast after evening Puja. The Somavara fast is believed to bestow marital happiness, children, and moksha.

Karthika Purnima

Karthika Purnima (the full moon night of Karthika month) is the most sacred day of the month. Devotees light floating lamps (Harikabomma deepam) on rivers, lakes, or at the seashore. Bathing in the river before sunrise on this day is believed to wash away sins accumulated over many lifetimes. Temples hold major celebrations with lamp-lighting events throughout the night.