Kartik Purnima is an Indian cultural festival which is celebrated on a full Moon day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik Purnima. This is celebrated not only in India but also around the world as well as Guyana.
It was observed on Tuesday evening on the 8th of November, 2022 at the kitty Seawall roundabout aka the pump station, which I was a part of that evening. It was a public event hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha which was posted on Facebook by Dr Vindya Vasini Persaud, not only for the Hindu society but for anyone who may be interested in learning about the Hindu culture that they may not have been previously aware of.
As it was stated, all are invited, so I took the opportunity to witness what it comprises of. Kartic Purnima is observed not only by Hindus but also Sikhs and Jains as well across India. Kartik Purnima takes place on a full Moon day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month; and with this Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima.
It is believed by Hindus that on this day the gods and goddesses come to the earth. For Hindus, this month is considered as the holiest month among all lunar months. According to the Hindu Calendar, Kartik is the eight lunar month. The full Moon day during this month is known as Kartik Purnima. On this auspicious event, devotees come together as one to chant and pray in their respective languages.
On the morning of Kartik Purnima, people across India will go to the Ganges river to bathe and offer flowers and fruits, and light diyas within their homes. Many persons also take the opportunity to give gifts to the less fortunate as well as food items. Likewise, the same probably takes place here in Guyana too, but I’ve never seen or heard of such. I’ve never witnessed how it’s done here in Guyana in the morning at the Kitty Seawall either, but it was stated by Ms Vindya Persaud on Facebook to her fellow devotees that they shouldn’t leave or throw anything that may pollute the environment.
They were encouraged to use items that are biodegradable in the sea and properly dispose of unwanted items into the bin. Just in case you’ve wondered about pollution, they were already warned. What I’ve heard is that the Hindus here in Guyana did their part on the morning of Kartik by taking a bath which was announced by Ms Vindya Persaud during that evening.
Kartik Purnima is very special in Hinduism religion, and its a tradition that has been followed for many years. It’s a time for new beginnings and devotees also seek the blessings of their ancestors. It also coincides with the second and last lunar eclipse of the year, the Beaver blood Moon. Devotees had a few do’s and don’ts that were kept in mind while celebrating this festival.
Editor’s Note: This article was not fact checked by Team Guyana, South America. If you find any errors or corrections needed, please tell us in the comments below.
