Kartik Month 2026: Important Dates for Ritual Baths and Donations
Kartik Month Begins
Kartik Month 2026 Dates: Today, Tuesday, October 27, marks the start of Kartik, the eighth month in the Hindu calendar. This day signifies the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning moon phase) in Kartik. The *Tithi* commenced at 9:41 AM on Monday, October 26, and continued until 7:01 AM today. However, based on the *Udayatithi* (the *Tithi* at sunrise), the entire day is recognized as *Pratipada Tithi*. The month begins under the auspicious *Siddhi Yoga*, with *Tripushkar Yoga* and *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* becoming effective from 3:39 PM onwards.
Significance of Bathing and Donations
During Kartik, bathing and making donations are particularly important as they invite the blessings of Lord Vishnu, leading to *Moksha* (liberation). While daily bathing is encouraged, it is especially meritorious to bathe in sacred rivers or pilgrimage sites throughout this month. If daily visits are not feasible, at least one ritual bath at a holy site is recommended. Let’s delve into the key bathing days and suggested items for donation during Kartik.
Key Bathing Days in Kartik 2026
Although daily bathing in rivers, ponds, or wells is advised throughout Kartik, it may not be practical for everyone. Therefore, specific significant days are highlighted for ritual baths. These include *Rama Ekadashi*, *Rupa Chaturdashi* (for *Abhyanga Snan*), *Kartik Amavasya*, *Devutthana Ekadashi*, and *Kartik Purnima*.
*Rama Ekadashi* Bath: Scheduled for Thursday, November 5, the *Kartik Krishna Ekadashi Tithi* starts at 11:03 AM on November 4 and lasts until 10:35 AM on November 5.
*Rupa Chaturdashi* Bath: This bath, known as *Abhyanga Snan*, occurs on Saturday, November 7. During this time, sesame oil, *ubtan* (herbal paste), and similar substances are applied before a ritual bath for purification. The *Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi* *tithi* begins at 10:47 AM on November 7 and continues until 11:27 AM on November 8.
*Kartik Amavasya* Bath: This bath will take place on Monday, November 9, coinciding with *Somvati Amavasya*. The *Kartik Amavasya* *tithi* starts at 11:27 AM on November 8 and remains until 12:31 PM on November 9. Bathing and donations on *Amavasya* are believed to cleanse sins and provide spiritual merit.
*Devutthani Ekadashi* Bath: Scheduled for Friday, November 20, the *Ekadashi* *tithi* begins at 7:15 AM on November 20 and ends at 6:31 AM on November 21. This day marks the end of *Chaturmas* (a sacred four-month period) when Lord Vishnu awakens from his divine slumber.
*Kartik Purnima* Bath: This bath will occur on Tuesday, November 24, with the *Kartik Purnima* *tithi* starting at 11:42 PM on November 23 and lasting until 8:23 PM on November 24. This day also features the *Pushkar* bath, and in Kashi (Varanasi), it is believed that even the deities come to bathe and celebrate *Dev Deepawali*.
Recommended Donations After Kartik Ritual Bath
After completing the *Kartik* ritual bath, individuals should donate items according to their means. Suggested donations include warm clothing, blankets, shawls, new garments, sesame seeds, jaggery, rice, wheat, barley, pearl millet (*bajra*), *amla* (Indian gooseberry), pure *desi* ghee, milk, yogurt, a *Tulsi* plant, and a copper vessel filled with water. It is important to make a formal resolve (sankalpa) before donating.
After bathing, hold unbroken rice grains (akshat), flowers, and water in your hands, and make a formal resolve to offer a donation. Subsequently, present the intended items to a Brahmin or a person in need.