All religious festivals bring the universal message of light, enlightenment and empowerment that transforms darkness to self-illumination and spiritual evolution. The various Hindu celebrations that mark our religious calendar are a constant reminder of the process of evolution, which we need to be engaged in at all times.
The month of Kartik (October-November) in the Hindu calendar is considered to be one of the most auspicious periods of the year for observing various activities that will bring us closer to the goal of enlightenment. Commencing just after the Ashvin full-moon, the month of Kartik this year will be observed from October 10 until the Kartik full moon on November 8, 2022. This auspicious month is held in great reverence by Hindus as it is the month when many religious occasions are celebrated. These naimittik karma (occasional observances) have been prescribed by the seers of Hinduism to help humans in our Godward sojourn to realize our true divine nature.
As such, one should engage in a month of sacrifice, austerities and increased time spent in communion with the Divine. These special occasions offer an abundance of opportunities to increase focus on the spiritual and release oneself from the bondage of the negative qualities such as anger, greed, envy, lust and hate. Thus, during this month Hindus are engaged in much saadhan (spiritual discipline), which includes vrat (fasting), praarthnaa (praying) and performing other forms of tapas (austerities), all of which lead to self-improvement.
Tulsi puja is one of the practices in Kartik that is highly recommended by Devi Bhagavat. Although this practice is carried out in the month of Kartik, it can be done every day of the year. Tulsi Maataa is representative of sattvic prakriti or piety, truth, purity and righteousness and one who worships this form of Divinity becomes infused with these qualities. It is said that where Tulsi always resides, auspicious vibrations, peace and prosperity always dwell. Tulsi plants are not only a part of the Hindu temples but these are grown and found almost in every household of the Hindu family.
Apart from Tulsi worship, other auspicious occasions that are observed in the month of Kartik are:
- Karva Chowth
- Divali
- Goverdhan Puja
- Maha Ekaadasi
- Tulsi Vivah
- Kartik Nahaan
Observance of these occasions leads to the transformation of inner negativities to spiritual enlightenment. Positive attributes in the form of health, harmony, stability, mobility, control of the senses, and peace and love for our human brothers and sisters are strengthened. There are great spiritual gains in engaging in these blessed spiritual opportunities for one month.
