Kartik Purnima.

Yesterday was Kartik Purnima and most of us lit up our homes with bright, earthenware 'diyas'. Today, we shall talk about its significance.

1. The full moon Purnima day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of the Kartik month is considered very auspicious.

2. It marks the end of Kartik month and the start of Margshirsha.

3. It also ends Sharad Ritu and marks the start of Hemant Ritu. As per ayurveda, 'pitta' gets aggravated in Sharad Ritu and 'kapha' in Hemant Ritu.

4. With it also starts the winter.

5. It is also called Diwali of the Gods and Tripuri Purnima. The day marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripuri. Tripuri Purnima is one of the most propitious days for worshipping  Shiva, next only to the Maha Shivaratri.

6. Kartik bath at the Ganga is considered one of the mashes sans (holy baths) of the year. It gives the requiredvitamin D. As it marks the start of winter, it is also the last day to take 'Ganga Snana'.

7. With it also starts the marriage season. Maximum marriages take place on this day.

8. The whole month of 'Kartika' is considered sacred among all the twelve months of the year with a festival almost every third day. The last five days are considered more sacred (Panchaka) and end up with Kartik Purnima. The five days are devoted to worship Tulsi, Awala, Shiva and sun bath.

9. Jains celebrate the Purnima as Deva Diwali with the worship of Lord Mahavira.

10. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day for his birth of the Matsya (fish) avatar.

11. It's also the birthday of Vrinda, the epitome of the Tulsi plant and of Lord Kartikeya, who is the chief of all gods and is the last day to perform 'Tulsi Vivah'.

12. Kartik Purnima is also dedicated to the dead ancestors.

13. The Kartik Purnima festival also coincides with Guru Nanak's birthday.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Washing machinex of bed linen.

Rema, Padmakumar and Achu had fetched up by 1330 hrs from Thrippunithura. It was a boisterous lunch and Lekha had provided us with a great spread. They returned at 1820 hrs.