Karthigai Deepam 2024: Celebrating the Festival of Lights and Spiritual Radiance
Nov 12, 2024
Karthigai Deepam 2024 falls on Monday, December 13 this year.
What is Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam is a beautiful festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu. It’s an auspicious day that marks a sacred moment of light, devotion, and divine presence.
Often called the “Festival of Lights” in South India, the festival falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December) on a full moon day, coinciding with the star Krittika’s appearance.
Karthigai Deepam 2024 Timings
Karthigai Nakshathram Begins - 07:50 AM on Dec 13, 2024
Karthigai Nakshathram Ends - 05:48 AM on Dec 14, 2024
Sunrise - 07:03 AM Sunset - 05:38 PM
Moonrise - 03:44 PM Moonset - 05:45 AM
Significance of Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar
Rooted in Hindu mythology, the auspicious day symbolizes Lord Shiva’s supremacy as the divine one.
According to legend, once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had a fight about who was superior. To quell their fight, Lord Shiva appeared as a flame to demonstrate his supremacy to Brahma and Vishnu. In awe, devotees lit lamps to honor this divine form, symbolizing the eternal presence of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance and seeking his blessings.
Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2024 Timings and Online Booking
The festival is celebrated with grandeur for a span of 10 days at the Tiruvannamali temple.
You can click here for detailed information about the 10-day festivities.
In Thiruvannamalai, the highlight of the festival is the lighting of the Maha Deepam at the top of the Annamalai Hills. A gigantic flame, visible all the way from miles across, symbolizes the infinite presence of Lord Shiva. It is said that catching a glimpse of this divine activity brings spiritual blessings and purifies the mind. Rituals are held within the Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the holy sites for Shaivites, before the lighting of the grand flame.
On day 10 the lamps are lit.
Bharani Deepam: 2.30 AM
Maha Deepam : 3.00 AM
Here are the Baranideepam and Mahadeepam online ticket booking details.
You can Visit - https://annamalaiyar.hrce.tn.gov.in
Bookings will be open from 24.11.2023 at 10.00 A.M.
Baranideepam dharisanam - Rs.500/-
Mahadeepam darshan Ticket Rs.600/-
Story of Lord Murugan
This festival is also dedicated to Lord Murugan, closely associated with the star Krittika. Lord Murugan was born from 6 flames that emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye. The six flames were deposited in the Saravana Poigai, and each grew up to be a beautiful boy, raised by 6 Krittikas.
And it is on the day of the festival of lights, Maa Parvati combined the six beautiful boys, into Lord Murugan. Hence, he is also called the Arumugan.
The Sacred Celebrations
The festival is observed both in temples and homes.
Temple Celebrations: The most renowned celebrations occur at the Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, where the Maha Deepam is lit atop the Annamalai hills. Thousands gather to witness this divine celebration, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s presence and creating an atmosphere of spirituality and reverence.
Home Celebrations: Homes are adorned with oil lamps, called "Agal Vilakkus," placed in rows to create a beautiful, inviting glow. These lamps are traditionally lit after families clean and purify their homes, inviting prosperity and joy.
Rituals and Traditions for Karthigai Deepam 2024
Here are some of the rituals that make the day unique:
Lighting Oil Lamps: Diyas filled with oil are placed in every corner, symbolizing divine light and purity.
Kolam Designs: Beautiful kolam (rangoli) patterns are created at entrances to welcome positive energy.
Prayers and Bhajans: Devotees sing bhajans and offer prayers, creating a joyful spiritual atmosphere.
Special Foods: Traditional treats like Pori Urundai (puffed rice balls), Adirasam, and Appam are prepared and shared with family and neighbors.
The Spiritual Significance of Lighting Lamps
In Hindu culture, lighting lamps is considered a way to dispel darkness and ignorance from our lives. The light represents knowledge, while the darkness represents ignorance. The lamps lit during Karthigai Deepam signify the inner spiritual awakening and the pursuit of enlightenment.
The brightness of the lamps symbolizes the unity of individuals coming together to spread love, peace, and prosperity.
Celebrating Karthigai Deepam 2024: Tips and Ideas
Decorate with Eco-Friendly Lamps: Consider using eco-friendly, reusable lamps made from clay, brass, or recycled materials.
Involve the Family: Encourage children and family members to participate in decorating lamps and creating kolams, making it a memorable family tradition.
Donate or Share Meals: This festival is a wonderful time to extend kindness. Share homemade sweets and food with those in need, spreading light beyond your home.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Dedicate some time to meditation or quiet reflection, connecting with the spiritual essence of the festival.
Share gifts and joy: As the day marks the greatness of divine presence, share joy by presenting gifts of religious significance. For instance, you can gift Tanjore Paitnigs of Lord Shiva or Lord Murugan to your loved ones.
Wishing Everyone a Bright and Joyful Karthigai Deepam 2024
As you light the lamps, let each flame symbolize joy, positivity, and hope. May the festival bring peace to your heart, harmony to your home, and blessings to your life. Embrace this beautiful day with gratitude, love, and devotion.
Conclusion:
Lighting each lamp is more than a ritual—it’s a reminder to invite warmth, wisdom, and harmony into our lives and to spread love and positivity within our communities.
The Karthigai Deepam 2024 invites all of us to honor old traditions, share moments with loved ones, and bask in the spirit of devotion. May this auspicious day light up your life with happiness, and may its warm glow inspire you throughout the year.
This auspicious day, brighten your home with beautiful paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan.
