Karthika Deepam (also known as ) is an ancient Hindu festival of lights celebrated primarily by Tamil and Malayali Hindus. It occurs when the Kṛttikā (Karthigai) Nakshatra aligns with the full moon ( Pournami ) in the Tamil month of Karthigai . When is Karthika Deepam 2026?
Note: The festival is usually celebrated on the day when the Karthigai star coincides with the Full Moon or the immediate evening following it. when is karthika deepam
Lighting a lamp at dusk on this specific night is an act of antarjyoti (inner illumination). The darkness of Amavasya (new moon) represents ignorance, while Pournami (full moon) represents wisdom. By lighting a deepam, the devotee declares, "I choose to see the light of consciousness within, even as the external world grows dark." The festival’s timing thus serves as a cosmic reminder: just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, our souls reflect the divine light. Karthika Deepam (also known as ) is an
The most sacred day for lighting the deepam is the full moon night of Karthika masa. In 2024, for example, Karthika Deepam was observed on November 15th. The festival spans the entire month, but the pinnacle is the evening of the full moon, when the moon rises large and bright, and the sky is at its clearest after the retreat of the monsoon. Note: The festival is usually celebrated on the