Kartika Deepa Puja is a sacred Hindu ritual performed during the Kartika month (typically in October or November), especially on the Purnima (full moon) day of Kartika. This puja is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking their blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. It is also a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and negativity.

The ritual begins with the cleaning of the home and the setting up of a clean altar, where devotees place a idol or picture of Lord Shiva along with images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The worship space is decorated with flowers, mango leaves, and rangolis, which add to the festive atmosphere. Oil lamps (diyas) are the central focus of this puja, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the removal of all evil influences.

On the day of the puja, devotees wear clean clothes, preferably white or yellow, to signify purity and spirituality. They light diyas in every corner of the house and place them around the altar, invoking divine blessings. The puja begins with the offering of flowers, fruits, incense sticks, and sweets to the deities. Water, milk, and honey are also offered during the Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the deity.

Chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya and Shreem Hreem Kleem helps in invoking the blessings of the deities. Kartika Stotra and Shiva Ashtakshara Mantra are also recited.

The puja concludes with the Aarti, where devotees sing devotional hymns in praise of the deities, and prasadam is distributed among the family members. Kartika Deepa Puja not only brings blessings of wealth, health, and peace but also signifies a deep connection with the divine light within.