Karthigai Deepam is a major Tamil festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. Celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December), it involves lighting oil lamps in homes and temples to ward off evil and bring prosperity. Key traditions include illuminating homes, decorating with oil lamps, performing special temple rituals, and in some places like Tiruvannamalai, lighting a huge lamp on a hill.
Celebration of light: The core of the festival is lighting oil lamps (diyas) to dispel darkness, both literally and figuratively, and spread joy and prosperity.
Tamil significance: It is one of Tamil Nadu’s most important festivals, celebrated with great enthusiasm and unique traditions.
Cultural and religious practices: Families clean their homes, create rangoli (decorative patterns) at their entrances, and place lamps on them. Special pujas and rituals are held in temples.
Mythological origins: The festival is associated with stories like Lord Shiva’s appearance as a column of fire, challenging Lords Vishnu and Brahma to find its ends. It is also dedicated to Lord Karthikeya (Muruga).
Tiruvannamalai Maha Deepam: At the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, the festival is a major event that includes a ten-day celebration with processions and the lighting of a massive lamp on top of a nearby hill on the day of the Maha Deepam.
Duration: It is a multi-day festival, often involving three main days or extending for up to ten days in places like Tiruvannamalai.