Kartik 2026 at the temple
Festival Calendar
Damodara Masa begins
The first lamp of Kartik. Damodarashtakam and Deepa Daan every evening from today.
Rama Ekadashi
A day of fasting from grains, extra chanting and hearing.
Deepavali
The festival of lights. Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya, and the temple glows with lamps.
Govardhan Puja & Annakut
A hill of prasadam for the Lord who lifted Govardhan Hill to protect Vraja.
Srila Prabhupada Disappearance Day
Remembering our Founder-Acharya, who brought Krishna’s lamp to the whole world.
Gopashtami
The day little Krishna first went out to herd the cows. A day to serve and honour the cows.
Utthana Ekadashi
Bhishma Panchaka begins: five days of special austerity at the end of Kartik.
Kartik Purnima
Damodara Masa ends. The last lamp of the month, with a full-moon arati.
Dates as per the Vaishnava calendar; confirm with the temple.
Every day of Damodara Masa
Daily Program
Daily Kartik Program at the Temple
26 October to 24 November 2026. Timings are indicative. Timings to be confirmed by the temple office.
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Mangala Arati |
| 5:00 AM | Tulasi Puja |
| 5:15 AM | Japa (chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra) |
| 7:15 AM | Darshan Arati and Guru Puja |
| 8:00 AM | Srimad Bhagavatam class |
| 12:30 PM | Raja Bhoga Arati |
| 6:30 PM | Damodarashtakam and Deepa Daan: everyone can offer a lamp to Lord Damodara |
| 7:00 PM | Sandhya Arati |
| 8:00 PM | Bhagavad Gita class |
| 8:30 PM | Shayana Arati |
How to Offer Deepa Daan at Home
- Keep a picture of Lord Damodara (baby Krishna bound to the mortar) or of Radha-Krishna in a clean place, ideally facing east or north.
- Prepare a small clay or brass lamp with ghee and a cotton wick. Sesame oil can be used if ghee is not available.
- In the evening, after washing your hands and feet, light the lamp and gather the family.
- Holding the lamp in your right hand, gently circle it clockwise before the Lord while singing or playing the Damodarashtakam.
- Place the lamp before the Lord, offer your obeisances, and chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra for a few minutes.
Safety: Place the lamp on a steady, heat-proof plate away from curtains, cloth, paper and flowers. Children should offer lamps only with an adult beside them. Never leave a burning lamp unattended; put it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
A prayer for Kartik
“O Lord, I do not ask You for liberation, nor for any other boon. I only pray that this form of Yours, as the little child of Vrindavan, may always stay in my heart.”
One lamp. One evening. One child bound by His mother’s love. Let your light reach Him this Kartik.