2026 Karthigai Nakshatra Days
Masik Karthigai & Karthigai Deepam Dates (Shaka Samvata 1947–1948)
Karthigai Nakshatra holds special spiritual significance in Hindu astrology and Tamil religious traditions. In the year 2026, devotees will observe multiple Masik Karthigai days, along with the grand annual festival of Karthigai Deepam, which is especially revered among Tamil Hindus.
This article provides a complete list of 2026 Karthigai Nakshatra days, explains the religious importance of Masik Karthigai, and highlights the spiritual meaning of Karthigai Deepam, including its famous celebration at Tiruvannamalai.
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2026 Karthigai Nakshatra Days
(Shaka Samvata 1947–1948)
Below is the complete list of Masik Karthigai dates in 2026, including the annual Karthigai Deepam:
Masik Karthigai Dates 2026
- January 27, 2026 (Tuesday) – Masik Karthigai
- February 23, 2026 (Monday) – Masik Karthigai
- March 23, 2026 (Monday) – Masik Karthigai
- April 19, 2026 (Sunday) – Masik Karthigai
- May 16, 2026 (Saturday) – Masik Karthigai
- June 13, 2026 (Saturday) – Masik Karthigai
- July 10, 2026 (Friday) – Masik Karthigai
- August 7, 2026 (Friday) – Masik Karthigai
- September 3, 2026 (Thursday) – Masik Karthigai
- September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) – Masik Karthigai
- October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) – Masik Karthigai
Karthigai Deepam 2026
- November 24, 2026 (Tuesday) – Karthigai Deepam
- December 21, 2026 (Monday) – Masik Karthigai
Important Panchang Notes
- All timings are based on the local time of New Delhi, India
- Time format follows 12-hour notation
- Panchang days begin and end with sunrise, not midnight
- Hours after midnight are counted as the next day
What Is Karthigai Nakshatra?
Karthigai Nakshatra, also known as Krittika Nakshatra, is the third Nakshatra in Vedic astrology. It is symbolized by a flame and is associated with purification, illumination, and spiritual awakening.
This Nakshatra is closely linked with:
- Lord Shiva
- Lord Murugan (Kartikeya)
- Agni (the fire deity)
Whenever Krittika Nakshatra prevails, the day is considered highly auspicious for lighting lamps, performing Shiva worship, and seeking divine guidance.
Masik Karthigai: Monthly Spiritual Observance
Masik Karthigai is observed every month when Karthigai Nakshatra occurs. Devotees light oil lamps (Deepam) in homes and temples, symbolizing:
- Removal of darkness and ignorance
- Victory of light over evil
- Inner spiritual clarity
Though Masik Karthigai is observed monthly, the most sacred occurrence is during the Tamil month of Karthigai.
Karthigai Deepam: Festival of Divine Light
Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest Hindu festivals, predominantly celebrated by Tamil Hindus. The festival is marked by lighting rows of oil lamps in houses, streets, and temples during the evening.
Mythological Significance
According to Hindu mythology, on this sacred day:
- Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of fire
- This divine act was to establish his supremacy over Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma
- The flame symbolized limitless cosmic energy and eternal truth
Thus, Karthigai Deepam represents Shiva as Jyoti (divine light).
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam and Mahadeepam
The Karthigai Deepam celebration at Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is world-famous.
Highlights of Tiruvannamalai Festival
- A massive fire lamp known as Mahadeepam is lit atop Annamalai Hill
- The flame is visible for several kilometers
- Lakhs of devotees gather to witness this divine event
- Devotees perform Girivalam (circumambulation) of the sacred hill
This event symbolizes the formless presence of Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims from across India and abroad.
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Karthigai
Observing Masik Karthigai or Karthigai Deepam is believed to bring:
- Peace and positivity at home
- Removal of negative energies
- Spiritual growth and clarity
- Blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan
Lighting lamps during Karthigai is considered especially powerful for household harmony and prosperity.
Conclusion
The 2026 Karthigai Nakshatra days offer multiple opportunities for devotees to connect with divine light through Masik Karthigai observances and the grand celebration of Karthigai Deepam on November 24, 2026.
Whether through simple lamp lighting at home or witnessing the majestic Mahadeepam of Tiruvannamalai, Karthigai reminds devotees that light, truth, and divinity always triumph over darkness.
