Karthika Deepam
Kartika Deepam (Tamil: கார்த்திகை தீபம், romanized: Kārtikai tīpam) is a festival of lights that is observed mainly by Hindu Tamils, and also by adherents in the regions of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Sri Lanka. Celebrated in Tamilakam and Sri Lanka since the ancient period, the festival is held on the full moon day of the Kartika (கார்த்திகை) month, called the Kartika Pournami, falling on the Gregorian months of November or December. It is marked on the day the full moon is in conjunction with the constellation of Kartika. It corresponds to the occasion of the Kartika Purnima, though it falls on a different day due to the correction of equinoxes in the Tamil calendar.
| Kartika Deepam | |
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Kolam and agal vilakku (oil lamp) arranged for the occasion of Kartika Deepam. | |
| Observed by | Hindus Tamils in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, Australia, Russia, Tamil Diaspora, Caribbean Madrasi Communities |
| 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 |
| 2023 date | 25 November |
| 2024 date | 13 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
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In Kerala, this festival is known as Trikkartika, celebrated in the honour of Chottanikkara Bhagavati, a form of Lakshmi. It is celebrated in the name of Lakshabba in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.