India is set to witness a rare celestial and spiritual union on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 — the sacred festival of Kartik Purnima, which coincides this year with the biggest supermoon since 2019.
The day marks one of the most auspicious full moons in the Hindu calendar and holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Millions of people will gather at river ghats — especially along the Ganga — to take the holy dip believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual liberation.
Adding to the divine glow, the supermoon will illuminate the night sky, appearing brighter and larger than usual, making the celebration both spiritually and visually extraordinary.
Shubh Timing For Ganga Bath
Bathing in the Ganga on Kartik Purnima is considered one of the most sacred acts in the Hindu tradition. The shubh muhurat for the holy dip (snān) this year begins at 4:52 am and ends at 5:44 am — before sunrise.
According to belief, a dip in the Ganga at this time purifies the soul and removes karmic burdens. After bathing, devotees perform dāna, giving food, ghee, sesame, or money to the needy.
Biggest Supermoon of 2025 – When and Where to Watch?
The supermoon of Kartik Purnima 2025 will be the largest since 2019, offering a dazzling sight in the evening sky. The moon will rise around 5:11 pm across northern India, though the exact time may vary by region.
Astronomers expect the moon to be 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual, peaking at 6:49 pm IST. It will be about 356,980 kilometres from Earth, the closest lunar approach of the year.
For those in cities like Varanasi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj, the glowing full moon will blend beautifully with the river’s shimmering diyas, making it a visual and spiritual marvel.
Muhurat for Kartik Purnima Puja
Not everyone can travel to the Ganga ghats, so many worship at home by performing Satyanarayan Katha and lighting diyas in odd numbers — such as 5, 7, 11, or 21.
- Morning Puja: 7:58 am – 9:20 am
- Evening Pradosh Kaal: 5:15 pm – 7:05 pm
- Lighting Diyas: 5:15 pm – 5:50 pm
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 6:48 pm
Moon Timing Today
The supermoon — the biggest since 2019 — will rise around 5:11 pm across northern India, though the exact time may vary by region. Astronomers expect the moon to appear at its brightest at 6:49 pm IST, shining almost 14% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon.
This “Dev Deepawali Supermoon” will be about 356,980 kilometres away from Earth, offering a perfect spectacle for sky-watchers.
Why is Kartik Purnima celebrated?
Kartik Purnima, also known as Tripurari Purnima, marks Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura and celebrates the divine light of Lord Vishnu. It is also the day when gods are believed to descend to Kashi (Varanasi) to celebrate Dev Deepawali, often called the “Diwali of the Gods.”
Hindus observe snān (holy bath), dāna (charity), and dīpa-dāna (lighting diyas), with devotees lighting rows of lamps along ghats and temples, symbolising the victory of purity and knowledge over darkness and ego.
Religious Significance & Dev Deepawali Connection
Kartik Purnima marks the culmination of the holy month of Kartik, regarded as the most sacred lunar month in the Hindu calendar. Devotees light thousands of lamps along the Ganga ghats, transforming Varanasi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj into rivers of light.
The belief goes that all gods descend to Kashi to celebrate this divine night. For devotees, Kartik Purnima represents light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil — both symbolically and spiritually.
Celestial and Spiritual Harmony
What makes Kartik Purnima 2025 extraordinary is the union of two grand events — Dev Deepawali and the supermoon. The merging of spiritual rituals and cosmic brilliance offers a rare spectacle, blending devotion with astronomy.
While millions pray for moksha, stargazers and photographers will witness the largest moon in six years — a perfect reminder of the harmony between nature and faith.
