Quick answer: when is Kartik Purnima 2026?
Kartik Purnima falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. The Purnima tithi runs from about 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November (New Delhi, IST), so the holy dip at Har Ki Pauri is taken at dawn on 24 November, ideally in the Brahma Muhurta before sunrise. Another site lists slightly different tithi times (10:59 PM to 9:08 PM), so go by your local Haridwar panchang for the exact minute. In the evening, the ghats are lit with lamps and the Ganga aarti is held at twilight.
What happens in Haridwar on Kartik Purnima
- Before dawn: families walk to the ghats for the Ganga snan. Har Ki Pauri is the main one, with many other ghats along the canal and river.
- Daytime: daan (charity), prayers and visits to temples such as Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, which sit on the hills above the town.
- Evening: the ghats are decorated with earthen lamps and the aarti at Har Ki Pauri is held at twilight. Many people call this the Dev Deepawali mood of Haridwar. Folk artists and processions are reported around the town.
How big are the crowds?
Very big. After Kartik Purnima 2023 (27 November), the district administration said around 18 lakh people had bathed at Har Ki Pauri and other ghats. Roads were rerouted, and the DM said all ghats were under CCTV watch. Rules can change every year, as the 2020 restrictions showed, so read the latest Haridwar district notice before you leave home.
Tips for a calmer visit
- Go early, or go the day before. The tithi starts on the night of 23 November, so some people bathe at an early hour and avoid the 6 to 9 am peak.
- Park far, walk in. Expect diversions near Har Ki Pauri. Keep 1 to 2 km of walking in your plan, especially with elders.
- Keep valuables minimal. Carry a small bag, a phone with charge, and a copy of your hotel booking. Agree a meeting point with your group in case phones fail in the crowd.
- Dress for cold. Late November mornings in Haridwar are cool, and the water is cold at dawn. Bring a dry change and a towel.
- Mind the ghat edge. Hold the chains, keep children close and follow police and volunteers' instructions.
- Book your stay early. Look at Hotels & Stays and confirm the cancellation rule. Dharamshalas and ashrams near the ghats also fill up.
Deep daan: offering a lamp the right way
Lighting a lamp (deep daan) in the evening is a common custom. Panchang sites suggest ghee or sesame-oil lamps at a river, temple or your own doorway, and say never to leave lamps burning unattended. At the ghat, prefer a small leaf diya, and take away any plastic wrapper.
Getting there from Dehradun and Rishikesh
Haridwar is roughly 55 km from Dehradun and 25 km from Rishikesh by road (approx., verify). On the festival day, trains and buses are full and roads near the ghats are closed or diverted. If you drive, start well before dawn; if you want a driver who knows the diversions, see Taxi. For temple, ashram and puja services, browse Yoga & Ashrams and Events. If you are doing a longer trip, our Rishikesh rafting price guide helps you plan a day in Rishikesh after the bath.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kartik Purnima in 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026. The Purnima tithi runs from about 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November (Delhi reference, IST). The holy dip is done at dawn on 24 November.
Where do people take the Kartik Purnima bath in Haridwar?
Mainly at Har Ki Pauri and the other Ganga ghats. In 2023 the district administration reported about 18 lakh bathers.
What time is the Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri?
It is held at twilight, so the time shifts with sunset through the year. Check the same-day time locally; on Kartik Purnima expect it to be very crowded.
Can I float diyas (deep daan) in the Ganga?
Offering a lamp is a common custom on this day. Use a small leaf diya, never leave lamps burning unattended, and do not throw plastic or flowers wrapped in polythene in the river.
Should I book a Haridwar hotel in advance?
Yes. Lakhs of visitors can arrive for the bath, so rooms near Har Ki Pauri fill early. Book days ahead and confirm the cancellation rule.
Sources (checked November 2026)
- HinduTone: Kartik Purnima 2026 date, snan and deep daan, date, tithi, lamp customs
- AjmerAstro: Kartik Purnima 2026 snan muhurat, date cross-check
- ThePrint (PTI): lakhs of devotees take dip in Ganga in Haridwar on Kartik Purnima, 2023 crowd and arrangements
- Culture and Heritage: Dev Diwali in Haridwar, lamps, aarti, processions
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