| Karthika Deepam | |
|---|---|
_for_Kaarthigai_Deepam.jpg) Oil lamps arranged on Kolam during Karthika Deepam | |
| Observed by | Tamil and Malayali Hindus, and Caribbean Shaktism |
| Type | Hindu |
| Significance | Shiva's manifestation as Jyotirlinga Origin of Kartikeya Veneration of Parvati |
| Celebrations | Puja, celebrations, lighting of bonfires and lamps |
| Date | Kṛttikā nakshatra in the Tamil month of Kartika |
| 2023 date | 25 November |
| 2024 date | 13 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
South Indian Hindu festival of lights
For other uses, see Karthika Deepam (disambiguation).
Karthika Deepam (Tamil: Kārtikai tīpam) is a Hindu festival of lights. It is mainly observed mainly by Tamils in India, Sri Lanka and other regions with significant Tamil diaspora. The festival is celebrated on the first full moon day of the month of Kartika coinciding with Kṛttikā nakshatra, falling on the Gregorian months of November or December. Though it corresponds to the Kartik Purnima, it falls on a different day due to the correction of equinoxes in the Tamil calendar. The festival is associated with Shaivism, is celebrated to commemorate the origin of Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war, and Shiva's manifestation as Jyotirlinga. In Kerala, it is celebrated as Thrikarthika, in honour of goddess Parvati.