Karthigai Deepam — പ്രാധാന്യം
Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Karthigai nakshatra in the month of Karthigai (November–December). The flame is symbolic of Shiva's cosmic form.
Karthigai Deepam — പ്രാധാന്യം
According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva appeared as a column of fire (Jyoti) before Brahma and Vishnu. The latter could not find his beginning or end. The day is celebrated by lighting rows of lamps (agal vilakku) and the great lamp at Tiruvannamalai.
Karthigai Deepam — പൂജാ വിധി
- At dusk, light earthen lamps (agal vilakku) in rows around the house and temple.
- Offer puja to Shiva; prepare sweet Pongal and offer it as prasad.
- Visit Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai for the Maha Deepam.
- Chant Shiva mantras and keep the lamps lit throughout the night.
Karthigai Deepam — മന്ത്രങ്ങൾ
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Salutations to Shiva
Karthigai Deepam — പരമ്പരാഗത വിഭവങ്ങൾ
- ●Pongal
- ●Appam
- ●Payasam
- ●Sundal
Karthigai Deepam — മറ്റ് പേരുകൾ
Tamil Nadu
Agal vilakku, Tiruvannamalai Maha Deepam
Kerala
Lighting lamps
Karthigai Deepam — ചെയ്യേണ്ടവ / ചെയ്യരുതാത്തവ
ചെയ്യേണ്ടവ
- ✓Light rows of lamps
- ✓Offer puja to Shiva
- ✓Visit Tiruvannamalai if possible
- ✓Keep lamps lit
ചെയ്യരുതാത്തവ
- ✗Do not extinguish lamps before dawn
- ✗Avoid disrespect to the flame
- ✗Do not skip the lighting
Karthigai Deepam — FAQ
- Karthigai Deepam എന്താണ്?
- Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Karthigai nakshatra in the month of Karthigai (November–December).
- Karthigai Deepam 2026 എപ്പോൾ?
- 2026ൽ Karthigai Deepam 2026, നവംബർ 24, ചൊവ്വാഴ്ചന് വരും.
- What are the Karthigai Deepam puja rituals?
- At dusk, light earthen lamps (agal vilakku) in rows around the house and temple.; Offer puja to Shiva; prepare sweet Pongal and offer it as prasad.; Visit Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai for the Maha Deepam.; Chant Shiva mantras and keep the lamps lit throughout the night.
- What to eat on Karthigai Deepam?
- Pongal, Appam, Payasam, Sundal
- What should you do on Karthigai Deepam?
- Light rows of lamps; Offer puja to Shiva; Visit Tiruvannamalai if possible
- What should you avoid on Karthigai Deepam?
- Do not extinguish lamps before dawn; Avoid disrespect to the flame; Do not skip the lighting
- Karthigai Deepam ദിവസം ഏത് ദേവതയെ ആരാധിക്കണം?
- Karthigai Deepam Shivaക്ക് സമർപ്പിതം.
Upcoming Karthigai Deepam Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Karthigai Deepam is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 നവം 24 | ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച | 04:56 pm | — |
| 2027 ഡിസം 13 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 05:00 pm | — |