Festival · November–December

Karthigai Deepam

Tamil Nadu’s festival of lamps, with the great flame lit atop Arunachala hill.

Karthigai Deepam falls when the full moon meets the Krittika nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai. Homes are lined with rows of clay lamps. At Tiruvannamalai, a great flame is lit on the summit of Arunachala, remembering Shiva appearing as an endless column of light.

Why it is kept

Shiva as the column of light without beginning or end, beyond the reach of Brahma and Vishnu.

Step by step

How to observe it

Light lamps at dusk
Clay lamps are placed at the doorway, windows and courtyard.
See the Maha Deepam
At Tiruvannamalai, the flame on Arunachala is lit at dusk and is visible for miles.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Some fast through the day until the lamps are lit.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.