Jain chariot procession of the Tirthankara image on Kartika Purnima, as Chaturmas ends

Kartika Ratha Yatra is the Jain chariot festival held on Kartika Purnima, the day that closes both the Kartika Ashtahnika and the four-month Chaturmas. After months of stillness, fasting and study during the rains, the Jain community celebrates by carrying the image of a Tirthankara — often Lord Mahavira or Lord Rishabhdev — on a beautifully decorated silver or wooden chariot through the streets of the town, pulled by devotees, accompanied by bands, dancers, elephants and horses in some places, and the chanting of the Navkar Mantra. Monks and nuns, who resume their travels on this day, often lead or bless the procession. Major rath yatras are held in cities and pilgrimage places across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, including Hastinapur. The yatra is an expression of prabhavana — spreading the glory of the Jina dharma — and of joy at the successful completion of the Chaturmas vows. On the same day, lakhs of pilgrims climb the Shatrunjaya hill at Palitana, which reopens after the monsoon, to worship Adinath.

Many complete their Ashtahnika fasts; parana after puja.