Monthly Karthigai (மாத கிருத்திகை)
Monthly Nakshatra Observance of Lord Murugan — Kiruthigai
Monthly Karthigai Dates in 2026
→ All 2026 festivalsAbout Monthly Karthigai
Kiruthigai (Krittika Nakshatra) is observed as a sacred day of Lord Murugan every month. On this day devotees fast, visit Murugan temples, and light lamps in the evening. The monthly Karthigai is distinct from the grand Karthigai Deepam festival and from the special Aadi Kiruthigai.
Significance
The Krittika Nakshatra is the birth star of Lord Murugan (Skanda/Karthikeya), who was nurtured by the six Krittika star-mothers (the Pleiades). Every month when the Moon transits Krittika, it is a mini-festival for Murugan devotees. The lamp lit on Kiruthigai evenings is an offering to both Murugan and Lord Shiva — the two deities most closely associated with fire and light.
How the Date is Calculated
Kiruthigai occurs each month when the Moon is in Krittika (Karthigai) Nakshatra. Because the lunar cycle is approximately 27 days, Kiruthigai falls on a different Gregorian date each month. The Tamil month of Karthigai's Kiruthigai (especially when it coincides with Pournami) is celebrated as the grand Karthigai Deepam festival.
How It is Celebrated
- Morning: fasting and Murugan puja
- Evening: lighting of deepam (oil lamps) at home and in temples
- Recitation of Kanda Sashti Kavacham and Thiruppugazh
- Special abhishekam at Murugan temples
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Kiruthigai occur?
Kiruthigai occurs once a month — when the Moon transits Krittika (Karthigai) Nakshatra. It usually falls every 27–28 days, so there are approximately 13 Kiruthigai days per year.
What is the difference between Karthigai Deepam and monthly Karthigai?
Karthigai Deepam is the grand lamp festival on the Pournami (full moon) that coincides with Karthigai Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai — a major public festival. Monthly Karthigai is the simpler, recurring nakshatra observance that Murugan devotees keep every month throughout the year.
What do devotees do on Kiruthigai?
Devotees typically fast during the day, visit Murugan or Shiva temples, offer coconuts and bananas, and light a row of oil lamps (deepam) in the evening. Reciting the Kanda Sashti Kavacham is a popular practice on this day.