Kartik Purnima is the holiest day of the year in Pushkar. On this full moon, lakhs of pilgrims take a sacred dip in Pushkar Lake, believed to wash away sins, and the day marks the grand finale of the Pushkar Fair 2026. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Kartik Purnima 2026: date and timings
| Date | Tuesday, 24 November 2026 |
| Purnima tithi begins | About 11:42 PM on Monday, 23 November |
| Purnima tithi ends | About 8:23 PM on Tuesday, 24 November |
| Best time for snan | Brahma Muhurat, the hour or so before sunrise (sunrise in Pushkar is around 7 AM) |
| Deepdaan | At dusk on the ghats |
Tithi timings vary slightly between panchangs and locations, so check with a local priest or a panchang for Ajmer close to the day.
Why Kartik Purnima is special in Pushkar
Pushkar is the town of Lord Brahma, and according to Hindu belief Brahma performed a great yagna here during the month of Kartik. A dip in the lake on the full moon is said to bring great spiritual merit. Many pilgrims also take part in the Panch Teerth snan, bathing in the lake on each of the five days from Dev Uthani Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima, around 20–24 November in 2026.
After the morning snan, devotees visit the Brahma Temple, one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, and many climb to Savitri Mata Temple on the hill above the town.
Best ghats for the holy dip
Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 ghats. The busiest on Kartik Purnima are:
- Brahma Ghat: close to the Brahma Temple and one of the most important ghats for the snan.
- Varaha Ghat: near the Varaha Temple, an old and much-loved ghat.
- Gau Ghat: one of the main ghats, often the centre of the evening aarti.
If you prefer a quieter dip, try one of the smaller ghats along the lake before sunrise. Some ghats have separate bathing areas for women.
Deepdaan and the evening aarti
As the sun sets, thousands of diyas are floated on the lake and placed along the ghats. With temple bells, bhajans and the full moon rising over the water, it is one of the most beautiful evenings of the year in Rajasthan. Find a spot on the ghats early, as the best places fill up quickly.
Crowds and safety tips
- Expect very large crowds. Kartik Purnima is the busiest day of the fair. The ghats fill up well before sunrise.
- Arrive the evening before. Stay in Pushkar on the night of 23 November, or leave Ajmer very early in the morning.
- Walk to the ghats. Vehicles are usually stopped well before the lake, and police barricades guide the crowd.
- Keep valuables to a minimum. Carry only what you need and keep your phone and wallet secure.
- Follow the rules on the ghats. Remove your shoes, dress modestly, and never photograph people bathing.
- Beware of pressure for donations. Some people may ask for money for puja. Only give what you are comfortable with.
- Bring warm layers. Late November mornings in Pushkar can be cold.
Plan your Kartik Purnima trip
Pushkar is just 14 km from Ajmer. Read how to reach Pushkar from Delhi, Jaipur and Ajmer, see the full Pushkar Fair 2026 day-by-day schedule, and if you are bringing a camera, our Pushkar Fair photography guide. Do not leave without tasting Pushkar malpua.