Ayodhya Kartik Purnima & Sacred Parikrama 2026
📅 Planning for Kartik Snan & Parikrama? Check our live Ayodhya Vedic Panchang & Shubh Muhurat for exact Tithi and Brahma Muhurat snan timings, or use the Darshan & Locker Wizard to fast-track temple entry during peak festival rush.
Kartik Purnima is one of the most spiritually charged festivals in Ayodhya. Over 2 to 3 million devotees gather to undertake the sacred circumambulation (Parikrama) of Ayodhya Dham and take a purifying dip in the holy Saryu River. Undertaking Parikrama during Kartik month is believed to wash away the sins of lifetimes and bestow liberation (Moksha).
📅 2026 Kartik Parikrama & Snan Dates
| Festival Event | Sacred Date (2026) | Auspicious Start Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Kosi Parikrama | Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026 (Akshaya Navami) | Starts at 06:15 PM (Evening) | ~42 km (Circumference of Ayodhya) |
| 5 Kosi Parikrama | Friday, Nov 20, 2026 (Devutthana Ekadashi) | Starts at 09:30 PM (Night) | ~15 km (Inner Shrine Circuit) |
| Kartik Purnima Mahasnan | Tuesday, Nov 24, 2026 (Purnima) | Brahma Muhurat (04:15 AM onwards) | Saryu Riverfront Snan |
🗺️ Parikrama Routes Breakdown
1. 14 Kosi Parikrama (42 km Outer Ring)
- Starting Point: Ram Ki Paidi / Naya Ghat or Suryakund
- Major Landmarks Passed: Darshan Nagar, Suryakund, Bharat Kund bypass, Ranopali, Naka Bypass, and Guptar Ghat.
- Surface: Paved asphalt roads with coir carpeting and sand tracks along key stretches for barefoot pilgrims.
2. 5 Kosi Parikrama (15 km Inner Ring)
- Starting Point: Saryu Ghat
- Major Landmarks Passed: Ram Janmabhoomi periphery, Hanuman Garhi outer ring, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Sugreev Kila, and Nageshwarnath Temple.
💡 Practical Guidelines for Pilgrims Doing Parikrama
- Footwear & Foot Care: Most devotees walk barefoot (nange paanv). Apply petroleum jelly or wear thin anti-skid pilgrimage socks if your feet are sensitive.
- Hydration & Seva: Free drinking water, lemon water, glucose, hot tea, and freshly cooked khichdi are provided every 200–500 meters by charitable trusts (Bhandaras).
- Medical Camps: Over 40 official mobile emergency medical units and Red Cross ambulances operate continuously along the route with painkillers, blister bandages, and ORS.
Explore related guides: Saryu Riverfront Guide, Ayodhya Darshan Timings, and Sattvic Food in Ayodhya.