Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date and Timing: Karthigai Deepam 2024 falls on Friday, December 13.
The Karthika Nakshatram timings are as follows:
- Start time: December 13, 7:50 AM
- End time: December 14, 5:47 AM
After the vibrant celebration of Diwali, the next festival to light up South India is Karthigai Deepam, a time filled with devotion, love, and the warm glow of oil lamps. Known as the Festival of Lights in South India, Karthigai Deepam is a celebration that honors ancient traditions, spirituality, and cultural vibrancy. The festivities begin on the day of Bharani Nakshatra and reach their grand culmination on the day of Karthigai Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December). As one of the oldest and most significant festivals in Tamil Nadu, Karthigai Deepam holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Mythological stories behind Karthigai deepam
According to Shaiva legend, there was once a dispute between Vishnu and Brahma, as both considered themselves the supreme deity. To resolve this, Lord Shiva appeared before them as an endless flame of light. He challenged them to find the origin and end of the flame, declaring that whoever succeeded would be deemed the greatest. Vishnu transformed into a boar (Varaha) and descended to search for Shiva’s feet, while Brahma rode his swan (Hamsa) in search of Shiva’s head. Both failed, proving that Shiva transcends all forms. This divine flame is commemorated during Karthigai Deepam.
In another legend associated with the festival, it is believed that Lord Murugan, the warrior god, was born from six sparks of fire that emerged from Shiva's third eye. These sparks transformed into six infants, who were nurtured by the six Krittika stars (Pleiades constellation). Eventually, the six children merged into one divine form, becoming Lord Murugan.
Karthigai Deepam is thus a celebration of Lord Shiva's infinite light and Lord Murugan's divine birth, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and wisdom over ignorance.
Significance of Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam, also known as Karthikai Vilakkidu in Tamil Nadu, holds great significance among Hindu Tamils and is also observed in regions like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka. Celebrated since ancient times in Tamilakam and Sri Lanka, this festival falls on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December), known as Karthika Pournami. The day is marked when the full moon aligns with the constellation Krittika, symbolizing a cosmic event that adds to the spiritual significance of the festival. Lighting lamps during Karthigai Deepam is believed to dispel negative energies and usher in positive vibrations. Each lamp represents knowledge and wisdom, driving away ignorance.
While Karthigai Deepam is primarily associated with Lord Shiva and the lighting of lamps, the festival takes on various forms across regions. In Kerala, it is called Trikkartika and is celebrated in honor of Chottanikkara Bhagavati, a form of Goddess Lakshmi. In the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, it is known as Lakshabba, reflecting the unique local traditions that enrich the cultural diversity of this festival.
Celebration and Rituals of Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is celebrated over three days, each marked by distinct rituals. The festival begins with Bharani Deepam on the first day, followed by Annamalai Deepam on the second, and concludes with Pancharatra Deepam on the third day. The central focus of the celebration is the lighting of traditional oil lamps (called agals) in homes and temples, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
- People thoroughly clean their homes and decorate entrances with beautiful Kolams (Rangoli) as part of the festival.
- Special pujas are performed at home, and traditional dishes are prepared as offerings to the gods.
- Fasting is observed from morning until evening, with devotees breaking their fast after the evening worship.
- In Thiruvannamalai, one of the most significant rituals takes place, where the Maha Deepam is lit atop the Annamalai Hills.
- After the Maha Deepam is kindled, people light oil lamps in their homes, symbolizing an invitation to Lord Shiva to bless their households.
Throughout Tamil Nadu, homes are adorned with rows of lamps, creating a sparkling, festive atmosphere. Children also take part in the celebrations by lighting fireworks, often saving some from the Diwali festival just for this occasion. The entire state glows with the warm light of oil lamps, creating a magical and spiritually uplifting environment.
Thiruvannamalai Celebration of Karthigai Deepam
In Thiruvannamalai, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with great grandeur, especially at the renowned Arunachaleswarar Temple. The highlight of the festival is the lighting of a giant lamp, known as the Maha Deepam, atop the Annamalai Hills. This sacred flame, visible for miles, symbolizes Lord Shiva's eternal light. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this divine spectacle, believing that seeing the Maha Deepam brings blessings and divine grace into their lives. The entire town of Thiruvannamalai glows with devotion, as the flame signifies the infinite presence of Lord Shiva.
Celebrate Karthigai Deepam by filling your home and life with the radiant glow of countless lamps. More than just a festival, Karthigai Deepam reflects the deep devotion towards Lord Shiva, with thousands gathering in Thiruvannamalai to witness the lighting of the Annamalai Maha Deepam—an event considered a once-in-a-lifetime blessing. This sacred flame represents a profound spiritual connection, and for devotees, witnessing it is an opportunity to experience divine grace. As you decorate and light up your home, let the glow of the lamps symbolize love, devotion, and the light that dispels all darkness.