Aadi Kiruthigai (ஆடி கிருத்திகை)
First Karthigai of Aadi — Sacred Day of Lord Murugan
Aadi Kiruthigai Dates in 2026
Date for 2026 is being calculated. Please check the full festivals list for the latest dates.
→ All 2026 festivalsAbout Aadi Kiruthigai
Aadi Kiruthigai is the day of the Kiruthigai (Krittika) Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August). The Krittika Nakshatra is the birth star of Lord Murugan, and every Kiruthigai in Aadi is a sacred day for Murugan worship — especially the first one.
Significance
The Krittika Nakshatra is the star of Lord Murugan, born to the six Krittika (Pleiades) star-mothers. Every month's Kiruthigai is observed as a Murugan day, but the Kiruthigai falling in the Tamil month of Aadi carries special importance because Aadi is a powerful month for Shakti worship and auspicious rituals. Devotees fast, visit temples, and light lamps.
How the Date is Calculated
Aadi Kiruthigai falls when Kiruthigai (Krittika) Nakshatra occurs during the Tamil solar month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August). There is typically one Kiruthigai in Aadi, rarely two. The exact date varies each year.
How It is Celebrated
- Aadi Kiruthigai — fasting and Murugan puja
- Special abhishekam at Murugan temples
- Lighting of lamps (deepam) in the evening
- Recitation of Kanda Sashti Kavacham and Thiruppugazh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Krittika Nakshatra for Lord Murugan?
According to Tamil and Sanskrit tradition, Lord Murugan (Skanda) was nurtured and raised by the six Krittika (Pleiades) star-mothers after his birth. Hence, Krittika is his birth Nakshatra and is especially sacred to Murugan devotees. Every Kiruthigai day is observed as a mini-festival for Murugan.
How is Aadi Kiruthigai different from Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam is the grand lamp festival occurring when Pournami (full moon) coincides with Karthigai Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai — it is primarily a festival of lights honouring Lord Shiva. Aadi Kiruthigai, by contrast, occurs in the month of Aadi and is specifically a Murugan observance without the lamp-lighting emphasis.
When is Aadi Kiruthigai 2026?
Aadi Kiruthigai falls when Kiruthigai Nakshatra occurs in Aadi month, usually in July or August. See the exact 2026 date in the festival calendar above.