Karthika Deepam 2026: All You Need to Know: Date, Puja Timings & Rituals

Karthika Deepam is a sacred festival of lights which is mainly celebrated by Tamils. It will be celebrated on December 4th this year. Karthigai Deepam is observed on the full moon day or Pournami tithi of the month of Karthigai coinciding with Krittika nakshatra. Although the festival is related to Kartik Purnima, it occurs on a different day due to the rectification of equinox in the Tamil calendar. 

Karthigai Deepam 2026: Date, Timings, Significance & Key Rituals

Karthigai Deepam 2026: Date and Karthigai Nakshatram Timings   

Karthigai Deepam 2026 Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026

Karthigai Nakshathram Begins: 23 Nov 2026 – 11:42 PM

Karthigai Nakshathram Ends: 24 Nov 2026 – 8:23 PM

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Significance of Karthigai Deepam 2026

The Kartihigai Deepam festival has two major legends associated with it. One recounts a divine quarrel between Lord Vishnu and Brahma. Both gods claimed that they were the greatest. To put an end to this debate,  Lord Shiva showed himself as an endless pillar of fire, extending from the sky to the earth. Neither Vishnu nor Brahma could find the starting or  the end of the pillar of fire, resulting in them realising that the Lord’s form is limitless. To honour this divine light, people light lamps on the sacred day. 

The second story revolves around Lord Murugan’s origin. Old scriptures state Murugan came from six sparks from Lord Shiva’s third eye, which the six Krittika girls took care of, raising him into Shri Murugan or Kartikeyan. He manifested as a six-faced god called Aarumugam. The celebration of this sacred festival marks the connection between the Krittika star and the divine child, depicting bravery, safety and knowledge. 

Karthigai Deepam holds significance for the devotees of both Shiva and Murugan because of the legends associated with it. The diyas illuminated on this festival are said to eliminate negativity and foster well being.

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Karthigai Deepam 2026: Rituals 

Diyas are lit on this sacred day to bring warmth and peace to homes. People also clean their respective homes and on the morning of the festival even wash their doors. 

Rangoli with rice flour is used to decorate the entrance and emblematize an invitation for prosperity. 

During the night, people light diyas in their homes, filling clay lamps with either sesame oil or ghee. Lamps are placed on windows, balconies, doors, and near the prayer room. Some people keep the lamps in such a way that it makes a bright path around their house. 

Mawa, laddus or Maavilakku, using rice flour, jaggery, and cardamom are the sweets prepared during the celebration. A tiny lamp is out in this sweet mix and then ignited as an offering to deities. Sisters recite prayers wishing for the long life of their brothers, and relatives gather to sing religious songs and eat festive meals.  

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