Kartik Snan 2026 Dates: The month of Kartik, the eighth month in the Hindu calendar, begins today, Tuesday, October 27. Today marks the *Pratipada Tithi* (the first day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik. This *Tithi* began at 9:41 AM on Monday, October 26, and lasted until 7:01 AM today, October 27. However, according to the *Udayatithi* (the *Tithi* prevailing at sunrise), the entire day is considered *Pratipada Tithi*. The month of Kartik has commenced under the *Siddhi Yoga*, and from 3:39 PM onwards, *Tripushkar Yoga* and *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* will also be in effect.

Bathing and making donations hold special significance during the month of Kartik. These acts invite the grace of Lord Vishnu, and through His blessings, one can attain *Moksha* (liberation). While we bathe daily, it is considered highly meritorious to bathe in a sacred river or at a holy pilgrimage site every day during the month of Kartik. If daily bathing in such places is not possible, one should at least ensure a visit to a sacred river or pilgrimage site for a ritual bath on at least one occasion. Let us explore the significant bathing days and items for donation during the month of Kartik.

Key Bathing Days in the Month of Kartik (2026)
Although the scriptures prescribe bathing in the waters of rivers, ponds, or wells every day throughout the month of Kartik, it may not be feasible for everyone. In such cases, you may choose to perform these ritual baths on specific, significant days during the month. These include *Rama Ekadashi*, *Rupa Chaturdashi* (for the *Abhyanga Snan*), *Kartik Amavasya*, *Devutthana Ekadashi*, and *Kartik Purnima*.

*Rama Ekadashi* Bath: The *Rama Ekadashi* bath will take place on Thursday, November 5. The *Kartik Krishna Ekadashi Tithi* begins at 11:03 AM on November 4 and continues until 10:35 AM on November 5.

*Rupa Chaturdashi* Bath: The *Rupa Chaturdashi* (also known as *Rupa Chaudas*) bath will take place on Saturday, November 7; this is known as the *Abhyanga Snan*. During this period, sesame oil, *ubtan* (a traditional herbal paste), and similar substances are applied to the body, followed by a ritual bath for purification. *Rup Chaudas* falls on *Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi*. The *Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi* *tithi* (lunar day) begins at 10:47 AM on November 7 and continues until 11:27 AM on November 8.

*Kartik Amavasya* Bath: The *Kartik Amavasya* bath will take place on Monday, November 9. Since this *Amavasya* falls on a Monday, it is also observed as *Somvati Amavasya*. The *Kartik Amavasya* *tithi* begins at 11:27 AM on November 8 and remains in effect until 12:31 PM on November 9. Generally, bathing and making donations on any *Amavasya* are believed to wash away sins and bestow spiritual merit (*punya*).

*Devutthani Ekadashi* Bath: The *Devutthani Ekadashi* bath will take place on Friday, November 20. The *Ekadashi* *tithi* begins at 7:15 AM on November 20 and concludes at 6:31 AM on November 21. This day marks the conclusion of *Chaturmas* (a four-month sacred period), and Lord Vishnu awakens from his *yoga nidra* (divine slumber).

*Kartik Purnima* Bath: The *Kartik Purnima* bath will take place on Tuesday, November 24. The *Kartik Purnima* *tithi* begins at 11:42 PM on November 23 and continues until 8:23 PM on November 24. This day also includes the *Pushkar* bath. In Kashi (Varanasi), it is believed that even the *devas* (deities) descend to bathe and celebrate *Dev Deepawali*.

What should one donate after the *Kartik* ritual bath?

Those who perform the *Kartik* ritual bath should, according to their capacity, donate items such as 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. Make a formal resolve (sankalpa) before donating.

After bathing, take unbroken rice grains (akshat), flowers, and water in your hands and make a formal resolve to offer a donation. Thereafter, give the intended items to a Brahmin or a person in need.

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