Regional Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is the Festival of Lights celebrated in Tamil Nadu on the full moon of the Tamil month Karthigai. The festival commemorates the manifestation of Lord Shiva as an infinite column of fire (Jyotirlinga) to humble Brahma and Vishnu, and also celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) from six sparks of Shiva's third eye. The magnificent beacon fire lit atop Thiruvannamalai's Arunachala hill is visible for miles around and draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Homes and temples are illuminated with rows of oil lamps (deepams).
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Symbolizes the light of divine consciousness dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The Arunachala beacon fire represents Lord Shiva himself as the primordial flame. One of the most ancient fire festivals of South India.
Rituals & Traditions
Light rows of oil lamps (deepam) in front of homes at dusk. Visit Murugan and Shiva temples. Perform deepa puja. Pilgrimage to Thiruvannamalai for the Arunachala Girivalam (circumambulation). Witness the mahadeepam beacon lighting atop the hill. Offer fruits and flowers to Murugan.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam is the Festival of Lights celebrated in Tamil Nadu on the full moon of the Tamil month Karthigai. The festival commemorates the manifestation of Lord Shiva as an infinite column of fire (Jyotirlinga) to humble Brahma and Vishnu, and ...
Q.What is the significance of Karthigai Deepam?
Symbolizes the light of divine consciousness dispelling the darkness of ignorance. The Arunachala beacon fire represents Lord Shiva himself as the primordial flame. One of the most ancient fire festivals of South India.
Q.What are the rituals of Karthigai Deepam?
Light rows of oil lamps (deepam) in front of homes at dusk. Visit Murugan and Shiva temples. Perform deepa puja. Pilgrimage to Thiruvannamalai for the Arunachala Girivalam (circumambulation). Witness the mahadeepam beacon lighting atop the hill. Offer fruits and flowers to Murugan.
Q.What foods are made during Karthigai Deepam?
Pori urundai (puffed rice balls), Karthigai adai, Kozhukattai, Aval payasam, Nei appam, Sesame rice