Hindus celebrate a lot of festivals having religious and cultural importance. The Full Moon and New Moon Days also carry a particular value, as per Hindu Mythology. One of them is Kartik Amavasya, holding immense significance. It is a day of observing spiritual importance, marked by fasting, rituals, and devotion. In this article, we shall learn about the dates, significance, story, benefits of fasting, and the rituals associated with Kartika Amavasya 2024.

Kartik Amavasya 2024 Date

Every year, the Kartika Amavasya falls on the Amavasya (New Moon Day) in the Kartik month (October-November), as per Hindu Lunar Calendar. This year, the Kartika Amavasya 2024 will occur on 1st November. The tithi for Amavasya shall commence at 3:17 PM on 31 October 2024 and end at 6:58 PM on 1st November 2024

Significance of Kartika Amavasya

The Kartik Amavasya 2024 date is too auspicious and observed with much reverence by the Hindus. The Kartik month is regarded as holy and harbors immense spiritual energy. By partaking in the Kartika Amavasya puja vidhi and rituals, devotees believe they receive divine blessings and unlock the door to spiritual development.

Kartika Amavasya 2024: Story

The significance of Kartik Amavasya can be learned from the many stories related to it. A widely known story is of the Samudra Manthan or Churning of the Ocean, in which the Devas and Asurs came together to churn the cosmic ocean in search of the elixir of immortality or Amrit. They churned the ocean using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent, Vasuki, as the rope. Many divine objects emerged out of this, as per mythology. On Kartika Amavasya, the physician of the Devas and the bearer of Amrit, Lord Dhanvantari, emerged with a pot of elixir as a result of the churning. Another significance of Kartik Amavasya is that on this day, Dhanteras is celebrated, and devotees pray to Lord Dhanvantari and seek blessings from her. 

One more story related to Kartika Amavasya is that of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati observed severe penance on this day to please Lord Shiva and seek blessings from him. Another name for this day is Diwali Amavasya, and it is believed that devotees get blessed with marital bliss and a prosperous life when they worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this day. 

Also See: Satyanarayan Dates 2024

Also See: Ekadashi Dates 2024

Kartika Amavasya Rituals 2024 

To gain the benefits of Kartika Amavasya Vrat, the devotees should adhere to the following rituals. You can also speak to astrologers if you wish to conduct any special puja.

• Offer prayers to the ancestors and offer prayers, food and water to the departed souls to seek blessings from them and ensure their well-being. 
• On Kartik Amavasya, lighting the lamps using oil or ghee is a representation of removing darkness and arrival of spiritual light in one's life. 
• On this day, devotees take a holy dip in rivers, lakes or temples before sunrise to purify and rejuvenate spiritually.
• Visit temples of Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Vishnu to offer prayers and seek blessings. You can also participate in the special Kartika Amavasya puja vidhi held on this day.
• Donating to the poor and needy and indulging in other acts of kindness is yet another way to get blessings in the form of success.
• Chant the mantras and prayers related to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, or Goddess Lakshmi to purify the mind, invoke divine blessings, and remove obstacles.

Also See: Purnima Vrat 2024

Benefits of Kartika Amavasya Vrat 

By observing the fast and performing the Kartika Amavasya Rituals 2024, the devotees get the following benefits -

• The Kartik Amavasya Vrat is considered an effective tool for spiritual purification and helps devotees detach from material desires. 
• The health benefits of Kartika Amavasya Vrat are also notable as it allows devotees to detoxify their bodies, promote digestion, improve overall well-being, and increase metabolism. 
• Devotees seek mental clarity, which further promotes concentration, focus, and introspection, by fasting on this day.
• When one observes fast, they develop self-control, discipline, and willpower and are able to overcome cravings and desires.
• Fasting enhances devotion and is a way to surrender to the divine. 

Wrapping Up

As mentioned above, the Kartika Amavasya 2024 is considered too auspicious and holds immense spiritual significance as well. Hence, observe the Kartik Amavasya Vrat by adhering to the rituals and performing charity. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of inner transformation and the pursuit of higher spiritual goals in life.