Dates for 2027
- Sharad Purnima: 14 or 15 October 2027, when Kartik traditionally begins.
- Diwali: Friday 29 October 2027.
- Govardhan Puja and Annakut: the day after Diwali, 30 October.
- Bhai Dooj: 31 October, a traditional Yamuna bath day at Vishram Ghat in Mathura.
- Kartik Purnima: 13 or 14 November 2027, which ends the month.
The Hindu calendar dates differ by a day between panchangs. Confirm the exact days locally closer to your trip.
What Kartik feels like
Each evening temples, including the ISKCON temple in Raman Reti, offer ghee lamps (deep daan) to the Lord in his Damodar form, singing the Damodarashtakam. Many families light a small lamp at their own stay. Dawn walks to the Yamuna, kirtan, and Bhagavatam classes fill the days. Vrindavan parikrama, a walk of several kilometres around the town, is a Kartik favourite.
Weather is lovely. Mornings are cool and afternoons are pleasant. Pack a light jacket for dawn.
Planning for the crowds
We follow the path Krishna gave in the Gita and keep dharma at each place we take you. During Kartik we also keep to a simple rule: no promise we cannot keep. If a day looks too crowded for your group, we change it with you.
- Book your room two to three months ahead. Kartik and Diwali weeks fill first.
- Plan temple visits for early morning and late evening. Afternoons are for rest.
- Keep Govardhan Puja day flexible, since the roads near Govardhan are very busy.
- Overseas devotees often come for the full month. For a long stay, ask us about a weekly rate for the room.
Dates checked: 23 Oct 2026