Karthigai Deepam

Tamil

Also known as: Karthigai Deepam, Festival of Lights

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2026 Tamil Date

Karthigai Deepam

About Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). It is the Tamil festival of lights, similar to Deepavali.

Devotees light oil lamps in their homes, temples, and public places. The festival commemorates the victory of light over darkness and the divine radiance of Lord Shiva.

In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated with great fervour at the Tiruvannamalai temple, where the Maha Deepam (great lamp) is lit on the Annamalai hill.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with lighting of oil lamps throughout the land.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Clean and decorate the house with oil lamps.
Light earthen lamps at sunset.
Perform pukas and distribute prasad.
Visit temples and witness the Maha Deepam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of Karthigai Deepam?

Karthigai Deepam celebrates the divine radiance of Lord Shiva. The lighting of lamps symbolises the dispelling of darkness and ignorance through divine knowledge.

Q: What is the Maha Deepam at Tiruvannamalai?

The Maha Deepam is a massive lamp lit on the Annamalai hill at Tiruvannamalai. It is visible from miles around and symbolises Lord Shiva as the infinite pillar of light.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.