Karthigai Deepam 2026: Tamil Festival of Lights — Date & Traditions
Karthigai Deepam is the ancient Tamil festival of lights, celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December) on the day when the full moon coincides with the Karthigai (Pleiades) nakshatra. Homes across Tamil Nadu are illuminated with rows of clay lamps (kuthuvilakku), and the great beacon fire (Mahadeepam) blazes atop Arunachala hill at Tiruvannamalai — visible for miles. In 2026, Karthigai Deepam is expected in November or December; the exact date will be updated based on the Tamil Panchangam.
Karthigai Deepam 2026: Expected November/December · Exact date will be updated · Verified Regional DataKarthigai Deepam
✓ Verified Regional DataKarthigai Deepam 2026
Expected November/December 2026 (Exact date will be updated)
Tithi
Full moon of Karthigai month coinciding with Karthigai nakshatra
Tiruvannamalai Beacon
Mahadeepam lit atop Arunachala on the main day
Region
Tamil Nadu, India (especially Tiruvannamalai)
About Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest festivals in Tamil culture, predating many pan-Indian Hindu celebrations. It is celebrated on the full moon night of the Tamil month of Karthigai when it coincides with the Karthigai (Krittika/Pleiades) star — a rare and auspicious alignment. The festival has two main components: the domestic celebration where homes are decorated with rows of clay lamps (kuthuvilakku) on every surface, and the grand Tiruvannamalai celebration where a massive beacon fire (Mahadeepam) is lit atop the sacred Arunachala hill, representing the column of light (Jyothi Lingam) of Lord Shiva.
Significance of Karthigai Deepam
The mythology of Karthigai Deepam centres on the story of the column of light (Jyothi Lingam) — one of the most profound stories in Shaivite tradition. When Brahma and Vishnu quarrelled over who was supreme, Lord Shiva appeared as an infinite column of fire, challenging both to find its end. Neither could — Brahma lied and was cursed, while Vishnu admitted defeat and was honoured. The beacon at Tiruvannamalai commemorates this infinite column of divine light.
Karthigai is also associated with Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) — the son of Shiva, born on Karthigai day and raised by the six Krittikas (Pleiades stars). The star Karthigai (Krittika) gives its name to both the Tamil month and the festival, and the six-pointed star (hexagram) representing the six Krittikas is a sacred symbol of Lord Murugan.
At the household level, lighting rows of lamps during Karthigai is believed to drive away darkness, evil and poverty. The flickering lamps represent the presence of the divine in every home, and the tradition of maintaining lamps throughout the night connects Tamil homes to the cosmic light celebrated at Tiruvannamalai.
How Karthigai Deepam is Celebrated
Cleaning and Preparing the Home
Homes are thoroughly cleaned before Karthigai Deepam. The floor is decorated with kolam (geometric patterns in rice flour), and every room is prepared for the lighting of lamps in the evening.
Lighting Clay Lamps (Kuthuvilakku)
At dusk, rows of clay lamps (kuthuvilakku) filled with sesame oil and cotton wicks are lit at every doorstep, window, corridor and courtyard. The entire home is illuminated with these tiny flames. The more lamps, the more auspicious.
Puja to Lord Shiva and Murugan
Special prayers are offered to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. Lamps are taken to the temple, and priests perform special Karthigai Deepam puja. At Tiruvannamalai, thousands of devotees circumambulate the sacred Arunachala hill (Girivalam) on this night.
Tiruvannamalai Mahadeepam Darshan
The most spectacular event is the lighting of the Mahadeepam — a massive beacon using camphor and ghee — atop the Arunachala hill at Tiruvannamalai. Pilgrims travel from across Tamil Nadu and beyond to witness this sight, believed to be the physical manifestation of Shiva's infinite column of light.
Karthigai Deepam Special Foods
Traditional Karthigai foods are prepared — especially Pori Urundai (puffed rice balls with jaggery), Karthigai Adai (lentil pancake) and Appam. These are offered as prasad to the deity and shared with family.
Karthigai Deepam Foods & Offerings
Traditional Karthigai Foods
- •Pori Urundai (puffed rice balls with jaggery)
- •Karthigai Adai (thick lentil pancake)
- •Appam (rice flour pancake)
- •Coconut Pori (puffed rice with coconut)
- •Nei Appam (ghee-fried sweet pancake)
Lamp Offerings & Puja Items
- •Sesame oil lamps (kuthuvilakku)
- •Camphor (for Mahadeepam and home puja)
- •Ghee lamps
- •Jasmine flowers (for Murugan)
- •Vibhuti (sacred ash for Shiva puja)
ℹ️ Dishes and offerings may vary by region and family tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details
Data Source
Verified Regional Sources · Tamil Panchangam · Karthigai month full moon + Karthigai nakshatra
Editorial Review
6 June 2026
Verification Status
Verified Regional Data
Region / Location
Tamil Nadu, India (especially Tiruvannamalai)