The month Karthika is meant for devotion and also for entertainment and social events.  Devotees take up devotional programs like fasting, regular pooja, lighting oil lamps, visiting temples etc. in the name of their favorite Gods.  

In addition to the devotional programs the month Karthika is also famous for outings and social events like Vanabhojanams- picnics to spend close with Nature.

Bhavani Dweepam at Vijayawada is busy with visitors thronging with family members to out and participate in Vanabhojanam programs. Sometimes groups make a program of Vanabhojanam and sometimes a family with its own members. But it is a real holiday for the families to spend together and to have a thrilling experience of dining together and playing in open places particularly with lot of vegetation.  

Visakhapatnam hosts a number of such events on the number of tourist hill spots and a vast line of sea coast along with which a number of parks sprang up.  

All Shaiva Temples and also Tirupati and Vijayawada are crowded with the devotees today being second Monday of Karthika Masam.

Photos show Bhavani Dweepam at Vijayawada.

-SriJa