Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam, a Hindu festival is essentially a festival of the lamps. It is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai i.e. in the months of November-December. The state celebrates full moon day during Karthigai just as Diwali as a festival of lights is celebrated in North India.

Karthigai Deepam festival begins with the hoisting of the flag and continues for nine days.

On the tenth day Bharani Deepam in five agantams will be lit in Arunachaleswarar's Sannithi while in the evening, the same day, the Pancha Murthis are brought to the Katchi Mandapam.

During the dusk (Pradosha), the Karthigai day which corresponds with the full moon day, the deity, Ardhanareeswarar is taken out with five deepams, and put near the flug-stuff. Large numbers of devotees cry "Harohara to Annamalai" which fill the air.

The people of Tamil Nadu celebrate this festival by lighting rows of lamps in their houses. The lighted lamps are believed to be auspicious for any Hindu festival but for festivals like Karthigai Deepam and Diwali it is indispensable.

During this time, fluffed rice and jaggery are mixed together and offered to God. On Karthigai Deepam day, tribals of Thiruvannamalai hills light the lamps on the top of the hill. Devotees also circumnavigate the nine mile hill since they believe that by doing so they are blessed by Lord Shiva.