Karthigai Deepam Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Karthigai nakshatra in the month of Karthigai (November–December). The flame is symbolic of Shiva's cosmic form.
Karthigai Deepam — Mythology & Legend
According to the Shiva Purana, Shiva appeared as a column of fire (Jyoti) before Brahma and Vishnu. The latter could not find his beginning or end. The day is celebrated by lighting rows of lamps (agal vilakku) and the great lamp at Tiruvannamalai.
Karthigai Deepam Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- At dusk, light earthen lamps (agal vilakku) in rows around the house and temple.
- Offer puja to Shiva; prepare sweet Pongal and offer it as prasad.
- Visit Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai for the Maha Deepam.
- Chant Shiva mantras and keep the lamps lit throughout the night.
Karthigai Deepam Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ नमः शिवाय
oṃ namaḥ śivāya
Salutations to Shiva
Karthigai Deepam Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Pongal
- ●Appam
- ●Payasam
- ●Sundal
Karthigai Deepam — Regional Celebrations across India
Tamil Nadu(கார்த்திகை தீபம்)
Agal vilakku, Tiruvannamalai Maha Deepam
Kerala(കാർത്തിക ദീപം)
Lighting lamps
Karthigai Deepam Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Light rows of lamps
- ✓Offer puja to Shiva
- ✓Visit Tiruvannamalai if possible
- ✓Keep lamps lit
Don'ts
- ✗Do not extinguish lamps before dawn
- ✗Avoid disrespect to the flame
- ✗Do not skip the lighting
Karthigai Deepam — FAQ
- What is Karthigai Deepam?
- Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Karthigai nakshatra in the month of Karthigai (November–December).
- When is Karthigai Deepam 2026?
- In 2026, Karthigai Deepam falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026.
- What are the Karthigai Deepam puja rituals?
- At dusk, light earthen lamps (agal vilakku) in rows around the house and temple.; Offer puja to Shiva; prepare sweet Pongal and offer it as prasad.; Visit Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai for the Maha Deepam.; Chant Shiva mantras and keep the lamps lit throughout the night.
- What to eat on Karthigai Deepam?
- Pongal, Appam, Payasam, Sundal
- What should you do on Karthigai Deepam?
- Light rows of lamps; Offer puja to Shiva; Visit Tiruvannamalai if possible
- What should you avoid on Karthigai Deepam?
- Do not extinguish lamps before dawn; Avoid disrespect to the flame; Do not skip the lighting
- Which deity is worshipped on Karthigai Deepam?
- Karthigai Deepam is dedicated to Shiva.
Upcoming Karthigai Deepam Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Karthigai Deepam is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | 04:56 pm | — |
| 13 Dec 2027 | Monday | 05:00 pm | — |