Karthika Deepam
| Karthika Deepam | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Tamil and Malayali Hindus, and Caribbean Shaktism |
| Type | Hindu |
| Significance | Shiva's manifestation as Jyotirlinga Origin of Kartikeya Veneration of Parvati |
| Celebrations | Puja, celebrations, lighting of bonfires and lamps |
| Date | Kṛttikā nakshatra in the Tamil month of Karthigai |
| 2025 date | 3 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
|---|
Karthika Deepam (Tamil: Kārtikai Tīpam) or Thrikarthika, is a Hindu festival of lights. It is mainly observed by Tamils and Malayalis in India, Sri Lanka and other regions with significant Tamil diaspora. It is celebrated on the first full moon day (purnima) of the Tamil calendar month of Karthigai coinciding with nakshatra of Kṛttikā, and falls on the Gregorian month of November or December. Though it corresponds to the Kartik Purnima, it falls on a different day due to the correction of equinoxes in the Tamil calendar.
The festival is associated with Shaivism, commemorates the origin of Kartikeya and Shiva's manifestation as Jyotirlinga. In Kerala, it is celebrated as Thrikarthika, in honour of goddess Parvati.