Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Masik Karthigai Vrat
Masik Karthigai is a monthly vrat observed by Tamil Hindus on the day when the moon transits through the Karthigai nakshatra (Krittika nakshatra in Sanskrit) each month. It is one of the most sacred days in Tamil Hindu tradition, dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda or Karthikeya), who was born and nurtured by the six Krittika stars. The observance is closely associated with the lighting of lamps — particularly the ritual of lighting lamps on the evening of Karthigai — which is said to destroy darkness and ignorance and draw the divine light of Murugan into the home. The annual Karthigai Deepam festival (in the month of Karthigai, November–December) is the grand culmination of this monthly observance, celebrated with the lighting of a giant beacon on the hill at Thiruvannamalai.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Masik Karthigai Vrat bestows the blessings of Lord Murugan for courage, wisdom, victory over enemies, and spiritual advancement. Lighting lamps on Karthigai is said to remove the darkness of ignorance and bestow divine light and knowledge. The vrat protects devotees from negative energies and evil forces. It brings success and prosperity to the family and blesses children with good health and intelligence. Women who light lamps on every Karthigai day are said to gain the merit equivalent to performing a major pilgrimage. Observance of Masik Karthigai regularly is believed to lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death through Murugan's grace.
Procedure
On Masik Karthigai, devotees wake before sunrise, bathe, and visit the nearest Murugan temple or Shiva temple. Offer flowers — especially red flowers, which are dear to Murugan — along with fruits, camphor, and sweet offerings like panchamrit and pongal. At home, the main observance is the ritual lighting of lamps in the evening when the stars appear. Clay lamps (vilakku) are lit in rows along the courtyard, terrace, and entrance of the house. A special lamp called the Karthigai vilakku is lit in front of the deity. Devotees chant the Kanda Sashti Kavasam, Thiruppugazh hymns, or the Murugan ashtakam. The number of lamps lit corresponds to the family tradition — some light 6 lamps for the 6 Krittikas, others light 108 or more.
When to Observe
Masik Karthigai is observed monthly on the day when the moon transits through Karthigai (Krittika) nakshatra, which occurs approximately once every 27–28 days. The annual Karthigai Deepam in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December) is the grandest observance. Masik Karthigai is primarily observed by Tamil Hindus in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and Tamil diaspora communities worldwide. It is also observed in Kerala and parts of Karnataka by devotees of Murugan and Shiva. The monthly date is determined from a Tamil Panchangam.
Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a partial or full fast on Masik Karthigai. The most common practice is to abstain from non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic throughout the day. Many observe a fruit-and-milk fast until the evening lamp lighting. Some devotees observe a nirjala fast until the lamps are lit in the evening. Grains are avoided in strict observance. The fast is more about purity of body and mind to receive the divine light of Murugan than about severe physical austerity. Children and the elderly may eat normally but should avoid non-vegetarian food on this day.
How to Break the Fast
The fast is broken in the evening after the lamps are lit and the Murugan puja is completed. First receive the prasad from the puja — typically pongal (sweet or savory rice pudding), coconut, camphor prasad, and fruits. Distribute prasad to all family members and neighbors. Then eat a full sattvic meal of rice, sambar, and traditional Tamil dishes. In temple observances, prasad in the form of pongal and sweet rice is distributed to all devotees. The glow of the Karthigai lamps is kept burning as long as possible through the night as a sign of continued devotion.
FAQ
Q.What is Masik Karthigai Vrat?
Masik Karthigai is a monthly vrat observed by Tamil Hindus on the day when the moon transits through the Karthigai nakshatra (Krittika nakshatra in Sanskrit) each month. It is one of the most sacred days in Tamil Hindu tradition, dedicated to Lord Mu...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Masik Karthigai Vrat?
Devotees observe a partial or full fast on Masik Karthigai. The most common practice is to abstain from non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic throughout the day. Many observe a fruit-and-milk fast until the evening lamp lighting. Some devotees observe a nirjala fast until the lamps are lit in the evening. Grains are avoided in strict observance. The fast is more about purity of body and mind to receive the divine light of Murugan than about severe physical austerity. Children and the elderly may eat normally but should avoid non-vegetarian food on this day.
Q.When should Masik Karthigai Vrat be observed?
Masik Karthigai is observed monthly on the day when the moon transits through Karthigai (Krittika) nakshatra, which occurs approximately once every 27–28 days. The annual Karthigai Deepam in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December) is the grandest observance. Masik Karthigai is primarily observed by Tamil Hindus in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and Tamil diaspora communities worldwide. It is also observed in Kerala and parts of Karnataka by devotees of Murugan and Shiva. The monthly date is determined from a Tamil Panchangam.
Q.What are the benefits of Masik Karthigai Vrat?
Masik Karthigai Vrat bestows the blessings of Lord Murugan for courage, wisdom, victory over enemies, and spiritual advancement. Lighting lamps on Karthigai is said to remove the darkness of ignorance and bestow divine light and knowledge. The vrat protects devotees from negative energies and evil forces. It brings success and prosperity to the family and blesses children with good health and intelligence. Women who light lamps on every Karthigai day are said to gain the merit equivalent to performing a major pilgrimage. Observance of Masik Karthigai regularly is believed to lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death through Murugan's grace.