Karthikai Vilakku or Karthigai Deepam Date and Time 2024 – GHdays
Kartika Deepam, also known as Kartikai Tipam, is a vibrant festival of illumination predominantly observed by Hindu Tamils, as well as followers in regions including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka. With roots dating back to ancient times in Tamilakam and Sri Lanka, this festival takes place on the full moon day of the Kartika month, known as Kartika Pournami, typically falling in either November or December in the Gregorian calendar.
The celebration aligns with the conjunction of the full moon and the Kartika constellation, akin to the Kartika Purnima occasion, albeit occurring on a distinct day due to adjustments in the Tamil calendar for equinoxes. In Kerala, this festive event is named Trikkartika, dedicated to honoring Chottanikkara Bhagavati, a manifestation of Lakshmi. Meanwhile, in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, the festivities are carried out under the moniker Lakshabba.
Karthigai Deepam Date 2024: Friday, 13 December
Table of Contents
Karthigai Deepam 2024 Overview
Festival Name | Karthigai Deepam |
Observed by | Tamil People |
Significance | Shiva’s manifestation of the Jyotirlinga, Origin of Kartikeya, Veneration of Nikaramma Bhagavati, Vamana’s victory over Mahabali |
Celebrations | Puja, celebrations, lighting of bonfires and lamps |
Homepage | Click here |
What is the story behind Karthigai Deepam?
The festival of Kartika has been documented in ancient texts such as the Akanaṉuṟu, a collection of poems dating back to the Sangam era (200 BCE to 300 CE). According to this literature, Kartika is observed on the full moon day of the Kartikai month in the Tamil calendar. Avvaiyar, a distinguished poet of that time, also mentions this festival in her compositions. Kartikai tipam stands as one of the most ancient celebrations among the Tamil community. References to this festival can be traced in Sangam writings like the Akanaṉuṟu and the verses of Avvaiyar. In Sangam literature, Kartika is known as Peruviḻa.
Karthigai Deepam Date 2023 | Sunday, 26 November |
Karthigai Deepam Date 2024 | Friday, 13 December |
Karthigai Deepam Date 2025 | Thursday, 4 December |
Karthigai Deepam Date 2026 | Tuesday, 24 November |
Karthigai Deepam Date 2027 | Sunday, 12 December |
Celebrations of Karthigai Deepam
Adherents illuminate their homes with rows of Agal vilakkus, clay oil lamps, during this festive season as they are regarded as symbols of good fortune. These lamps are believed to repel negative energies and invite wealth and happiness. This celebration in South India also serves as a tribute to the bond shared between brothers and sisters, akin to the festivities of Raksha Bandhan. Sisters offer prayers for the prosperity and triumph of their brothers, illuminating lamps as a gesture of this heartfelt connection.
Within Telugu households, the month of Kartika masam holds special significance. Commencing on the day of Deepavali and continuing until the month’s conclusion, it is customary to light oil lamps daily.
During the Kartikai Pournami, the full moon of the Kartikai month, households craft oil lamps with 365 wicks, lighting them in Shiva temples. In certain homes, fasting rituals are observed until sunset each day throughout the entire month.