Karthigai Deepam (கார்த்திகை தீபம்)
Festival of Lamps — Karthigai Pournami
Karthigai Deepam Dates in 2026
→ All 2026 festivalsAbout Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is the Tamil festival of lamps celebrated when the Full Moon coincides with Krittika (Karthigai) Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai. Every home is illuminated with rows of lighted lamps.
Significance
Karthigai Deepam is especially sacred to devotees of Lord Shiva at Thiruvannamalai — the Maha Deepam (great lamp) lit atop Arunachala Hill on this night is visible for miles. The festival celebrates Shiva's manifestation as an infinite column of fire.
How the Date is Calculated
Karthigai Deepam falls on the Full Moon (Pournami) coinciding with Krittika (Karthigai) Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December).
How It is Celebrated
- Karthigai Deepam evening — lighting of lamps in homes
- Maha Deepam lighting at Thiruvannamalai Arunachala
- Girivalam (circumambulation of Arunachala hill)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam celebrates light as the divine. At Thiruvannamalai, the Maha Deepam lamp lit atop Arunachala Hill represents Lord Shiva as Jyothi (infinite light). Every Tamil home lights rows of oil lamps during this festival.