Significance of Karthigai Nakshatra and Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is an important Hindu festival mainly celebrated by Tamil Hindus. It is considered one of the oldest festivals celebrated by the Tamil community. On this day, houses and streets are illuminated with rows of oil lamps (Deepam) in the evening, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Karthigai Deepam is named after the Nakshatra Karthikai (Krittika). It is observed on the day when the Krittika Nakshatra is prevailing. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva manifested as an endless flame of light to demonstrate his supremacy to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

While Karthigai Nakshatra occurs every month, the most significant Karthigai Deepam celebration falls in the month of Karthikai (which corresponds to the Solar month Vrischika in other Hindu calendars). Here lists all Karthikai days throughout the year, including the most significant one, Karthikai Deepam.

Masik Karthigai Dates in 2025

• January 9, 2025 (Thursday)
• February 6, 2025 (Thursday)
• March 5, 2025 (Wednesday)
• April 1, 2025 (Tuesday)
• April 29, 2025 (Tuesday)
• May 26, 2025 (Monday)
• June 22, 2025 (Sunday)
• July 20, 2025 (Sunday)
• August 16, 2025 (Saturday)
• September 12, 2025 (Friday)
• October 10, 2025 (Friday)
• November 6, 2025 (Thursday)
• December 4, 2025 (Thursday) – Karthigai Deepam
• December 31, 2025 (Wednesday)

Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of New Delhi, India with DST adjustment (if applicable). Hours past midnight are suffixed with the next day’s date. In Panchang, the day starts and ends with sunrise.

Karthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai

The Karthigai festival in Tiruvannamalai hills is world-famous. A grand fire lamp is lit on the hill during Karthigai Deepam, which is visible for several kilometers. This sacred fire is called Mahadeepam. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit Tiruvannamalai to witness and participate in the grand event, offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

The festival signifies spiritual enlightenment, unity, and devotion, and it continues to be a major celebration among devotees of Lord Shiva.