People in the South often name Karthigai Deepam the "Festival of Lights." If you think Diwali is pretty, just wait until you see Tamil Nadu on this night.
The whole state becomes a sparkling galaxy of clay bulbs. Agal Vilakkus (clay lamps) line the doorsteps of every home, from the grand Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai to
the simplest hut in a village.
This festival is more than simply rituals. It's a time to celebrate the link between brothers and sisters and remember that divine light can chase away any darkness in our life.
The Karthigai Deepam will happen this year on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Here is everything you need to know about the times, traditions, and lovely stories behind this ancient festival, whether you are going to see the magnificent Maha Deepam at Tiruvannamalai or light candles at home.
Dates and times that are important for 2025
The full moon (Pournami) and the Karthigai Nakshatra coming together decide when this celebration will be.
The date of Karthigai Deepam is Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
- Time to light the deepam: usually after sunset, around 6:00 PM.
- Karthigai Nakshatra Starts on December 3 @ 5:59 PM
- Karthigai Nakshatra Ends: December 4, 02:54 PM
Note: The Full Moon (Pournami) Tithi lasts till December 4th, although the Maha Deepam is usually lit on the night when the Karthigai star is brightest. The lighting ceremony takes place on the night of December 3rd, when the star begins.
Why do we celebrate Karthigai Deepam? (How It All Started)
Karthigai Deepam is one of India's oldest festivals. The Sangam literature (200 BCE) mentions it. This day is defined by two great legends:
The Lord Shiva Fire Column That Never Ends
This is the main story that the Tiruvannamalai temple tells. It is said that Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once argued about who was better.
To resolve the fight, Lord Shiva showed himself as an infinite column of fire (Jyotirlinga) and dared them to find his head or feet. To dig deep, Vishnu turned into a boar, and to fly high, Brahma became into a swan.
Both of them couldn't find out how strong Shiva was. This experience showed that God is infinite and doesn't have an ego. The Maha Deepam that burns on top of the Arunachala hill is a symbol of this very column of fire.
The Birth of Lord Murugan
For a lot of people, this celebration is about Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). People say that Lord Shiva's third eye gave birth to him as six celestial sparks.
The sparks were taken to the Saravana Poigai lake, where they turned into six newborns who were cared for by the six Karthigai stars (Pleiades). Goddess Parvati turned the six newborns into one child with six faces (Arumugan) on this day. So, he is the son of light.
How to Celebrate the Festival of Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is a feast for the senses and the soul. This is how the day usually goes:
Cleaning and Kolams
Days ahead of time, the preparations start. People clean their houses quite well to let in heavenly energy. On the day of the event, people draw ornate Kolams (rangolis) out of rice flour at the entrance.
The Fast (Vrat)
A lot of people who worship this day fast to clean their bodies and minds.
During the day, they don't eat solid food, and they only break their fast after witnessing the Deepam lit in the evening, either at the temple or when the moon rises.
The Main Event: Lighting the Lamps
The magic starts as the sun goes down.
Agal Vilakku: Families light rows of traditional clay lamps that have oil and a cotton wick in them.
Lamps are put all over the place, such on the porch, windowsills, balconies, and even in the garden. People say that the light keeps bad things away and brings good things.
The number 27: Some customs say to light 27 lamps to stand for the 27 Nakshatras (stars), however you can light as many as you want!
Special Food Gifts Food is a must for any Tamil holiday! On this day, there are unique offerings (Neivedyam) like as
Pori Urundai: Crunchy balls of puffed rice cooked with jaggery.
Appam is a sweet, deep-fried fritter made from rice flour and bananas.
Adhirasam is a classic treat made from rice flour and jaggery syrup.
What are the good things about celebrating Karthigai Deepam?
This event has significant spiritual advantages that go beyond how beautiful it is to look at:
Burning the Ego
such the wick in oil burns to make light, this festival is a way to burn away our ego and natural flaws (such anger and greed) to show the holy light of the soul.
Peace in the Family
Karthigai Deepam brings brothers and sisters closer together in many homes. Like Raksha Bandhan, sisters pray for their brothers' well-being, making it a day of family togetherness.
Safety and Success
People believe that lighting the lamps protects the dwelling from bad things and brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Murugan (knowledge).
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Karthigai Deepam reminds us that even in the darkest of nights, one bulb can keep the shadows at bay. When you light the lamps in your home on December 3rd, remember that you are reflecting the light of Lord Shiva in the universe.
May the light of the Agal Vilakkus make your home warm, clear your mind, and make your heart happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What day is Karthigai Deepam in 2025?
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, people will commemorate Karthigai Deepam. The Karthigai Nakshatra is in charge in the evening on this day, which is the best time to ignite the lamps.
What does Tiruvannamalai Deepam mean?
This festival's main event is in Tiruvannamalai. A huge pot of ghee is set on fire on top of the holy Arunachala Hill at sunset. You may see this flame, called the Maha Deepam, from kilometers away.
It shows Lord Shiva as an infinite pillar of fire, which is called Agni Lingam. Devotees think that just viewing this light will free them.
What Is the Reason We Eat Pori Urundai Today?
The Pori Urundai (puffed rice ball) has a beautiful meaning behind it. The rough, irregular texture of the puffed rice stands for the soul's hard karma and ties to the world.
The jaggery syrup that holds them together stands for God's love. When they are tied together, the "roughness" becomes sweet, which shows how God's grace makes our hard lives easier.
Can we have a party for this even if we don't live in India?
Yes, of course. Karthigai Deepam's meaning is worldwide. You can use candles or electric lights instead of clay lamps. The main thing you do is flood your home with light after sunset, recite the names of Lord Shiva or Murugan, and eat a delicious dinner with your family.
