- By Kashish Rai
- Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karthigai Deepam 2024: In Tamil Nadu, India, people celebrate the vibrant Karthigai Deepam festival. This Festival of Lights commemorates a sacred moment of light, devotion, and divine presence. It takes place on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Karthigai, usually in November or December. The festival coincides with the appearance of the Krittika star, adding to its spiritual significance. People come together to light lamps, offer prayers, and celebrate light triumphing over darkness. This year, Karthigai Deepam will be observed on 13th December 2024.
Karthigai Deepam 2024: Date And Time
- Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date: 13th December 2024
- Karthigai Nakshathram Begins: 07:50 AM, 13th December 2024
- Karthigai Nakshathram Ends: 05:48 AM, 14th December 2024
Karthigai Deepam 2024: Significance
The Tamil festival of Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the hill town of Tiruvannamalai. The festival's name, Karthigai Deepam, literally means "light" in Tamil. Every year, on the full moon day of the Karthigai month, a beacon of light is lit atop the Arunachala hill and worshipped.
According to Hindu scriptures, Tiruvannamalai is a sacred site representing the element of fire. It is known as Agnishetra, where Lord Shiva manifested as a column of light before Vishnu and Brahma. The temple's linga form of Shiva is called Agni Linga, symbolising the divine power of fire. The festival of Karthigai Deepam celebrates this sacred event, filling the town with light, devotion and spiritual energy.
Karthigai Deepam is a sacred Tamil festival of lights, worship and devotion to Lord Shiva and Muruga. (Image Source: Canva)
Karthigai Deepam 2024: Rituals
The 10-day Tiruvannamalai Deepam festival is a significant event in the Tamil calendar. Each day holds special importance, with celebrations centred around the Arunachaleswarar temple in Thiruvannamalai. The festival begins with the hoisting of the flag on Uthradam day.
The highlight of the festival is the lighting of the Bharani Deepam on the 10th day. This sacred lamp is lit in the early morning hours, and devotees gather to worship it. According to legend, the flame of the lamp takes the form of Lord Muruga and rises to the sky.
The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Muruga, who manifested as six fiery sparks from Lord Shiva's third eye. Muruga's birth symbolises the triumph of truth over evil. During the festival, devotees offer prayers to Lord Muruga by lighting ghee lamps and making special food offerings.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)