Beginning of Kartika

Kartika, the month of Damodara, is the most auspicious month of the Vaishnava year. It runs from full moon to full moon — in 2026 from 26 October to 24 November.

Throughout the month devotees offer Lord Damodara a ghee lamp every evening and sing the Damodarastaka. Many take up extra vows for these weeks: to read more, to chant more, to give something up.

On the first evening of Kartika the lamps are lit in the temple and the Damodarastaka begins. Come without any preparation — a lamp will be handed to you.