Karthika Deepam 2025: Significance, Date, Rituals & Celebrations

Karthika Deepam 2025: Light of Devotion

Karthika Deepam (also spelled Karthigai Deepam, Karthika Deepam, or Kartika Deepam) is one of the most beautiful and deeply symbolic festivals of lights in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (mid-November to mid-December) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Karthikeya) or the divine presence in the fire (jyoti). The festival celebrates the inner light, the removal of darkness (ignorance), and the radiance of spiritual knowledge. In 2025, this luminous festival offers devotees a powerful opportunity for devotion, reflection, and illumination of mind and spirit.

Quick Facts at a Glance

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Meaning & Significance of Karthika Deepam

The name “Karthika Deepam” arises from Karthigai (the lunar mansion) + Deepam (lamp). The day is also linked to the six celestial Krittikas, the star cluster associated with the goddess Krittikai who nurtured Lord Murugan. But on a deeper level, the festival symbolizes the dispelling of spiritual darkness by the inner flame of knowledge (jnana).

Many traditions consider the lighting of lamps as a mik of prayers, purification, and invocation of divine presence. The light is regarded as a symbol of Atman (the inner self) or Shiva’s eternal luminosity.

In Tamil Nadu, the festival is sometimes called Karthigai Deepam / Karthikai Deepam / Kartikai Deepam. In Telugu, it is often called Karthika Deepam or Deepotsavam.

In Tirumala (Tirupati), the festival is observed as Tirukarthikai Utsavam, where a special lamp (deepam) is lit atop the hills, and thousands of lamps are lit all over the hillsides. Devotees interpret it as symbolizing the cosmic light that unifies all beings.

Karthika Deepam 2025 Date & Auspicious Timing

In 2025, Karthika Deepam is observed on 29 November, which falls on a Saturday. The lighting of lamps is usually done after sunset, during the Pradosha Kala or evening twilight. The exact muhurtham (auspicious hour) is customarily announced by local temples and astrologers based on regional traditions.

Many devout households light the lamps at dusk and keep them burning for the full night, often concluding before dawn or the next morning.

Rituals & How to Celebrate Karthika Deepam

1. Purification & Bathing:
   The day may begin with a ritual bath (snana), cleansing, and wearing fresh clothes (traditionally yellow or white) as preparation for worship.

2. Decoration & Rangoli:
   Homes are cleaned and decorated. Doorways and verandas are adorned with kolams (rice flour patterns) and floral rangolis.

3. Lighting the Diyas:

   • Traditionally, devotees light 27 earthen lamps (or multiples thereof) in an oil lamp stand called kuthu vilakku.

   • In grand observances, 108 or more lamps may be lit.

   • In hill temples (like in Tirumala), massive fire-pots or lamps may be lit on hilltops.

   • The lighting is accompanied by mantras, bhajans, or circumambulation.

4. Puja (Worship):

   • Offerings include flowers, sandal paste, incense, fruits, and prasadam.

   • Recitation of Shiva mantras (e.g. “Om Namah Shivaya”) or Karthika stotras is customary.

   • Some may also worship Lord Murugan (Karthikeya) because of his association with the Krittikas.

5. Overnight Vigil (Jagran):
   In some traditions, devotees keep vigil, chant, meditate or do reading of sacred texts overnight.

6. Community & Temple Lamps:
   Many temples arrange mass lamp lighting. In some hilly temple complexes, the high point lamp lighting becomes a spectacle visible across distances.

Region-wise Traditions & Highlights

• Tamil Nadu & Kerala:
  In Tamil homes, Karthigai lamps are lit on the kuthu vilakku placed outdoors. In Kerala, the festival coincides with Mandala Vilakku / Mandala Deepam in some communities.

• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana:
  The festival is celebrated as Deepotsavam. In Tirupati, the Tirukarthikai Utsavam sees thousands of lamps across the hills, illuminating the Tirumala temple. Devotees in the region take special interest in the timing, lamp arrangements, and distributing oil to poor communities.

• Hill-temple Observances:
  In temple towns with hills (Tirumala, etc.), the ascent to hilltop and lighting of a huge prakash deepam is symbolic of spiritual ascent.

Spiritual Message & Inner Significance

Beyond the external lamps, Karthika Deepam invites devotees to ignite the internal lamp of jnana (wisdom) and atma prakasha (self-luminosity). Here are a few contemplative insights:

• Darkness (ignorance) is dispelled not by external light alone, but by inner awakening.
• The consistent flame represents steadiness in devotion and purity of mind.
• The number of lamps (27, 108) correspond to cosmic, astrological, or yogic significance.
• Lighting lamps outdoors, in all directions, signifies universal radiance.

Preparations & Tips for Devotees

• Procure good quality ghee or oil (sesame, coconut, or gingelly) and cotton wicks in advance.
• Clean and decorate the area (veranda, courtyard) where lamps will be placed.
• Schedule the puja, mantras, and lamp lighting around the local muhurtham.
• If possible, participate in temple events or community lamp lighting for deeper communion.
• Maintain a devotional state of mind — read hymns, sing, meditate.

FAQs

Q1: Why is the number 27 significant for lamp lighting?
A: 27 corresponds to the 27 nakshatras (lunar constellations) in Vedic astrology. Lighting 27 lamps is said to invoke harmony with cosmic energies.

Q2: Can I light Karthika Deepam lamps any evening in the month of Karthigai?
A: Some households light lamps daily through the Karthigai month, but the principal lighting happens on the full day of Karthika Deepam. The main festival timing is preferred.

Q3: Is Karthika Deepam only for Shaivites?
A: While strongly associated with Shiva and his cosmic light, devotees of other deities also observe it for spiritual elevation, symbolizing inner illumination.

Q4: What scriptures mention Karthika Deepam?
A: The Skanda Purana, Shiva Puranas, and regional Tamil Tevaram / Tirumurai hymns reference the luminous significance and lamp rituals.

Q5: How to choose the place for lamp lighting? Indoors or outdoors?
A: Outdoors (courtyard, veranda) is ideal as the light radiates outward. If not possible, one may arrange lamps near windows or near the puja room.

• SriVyasapooja – Shivaratri Rituals & Significance
• Navaratri Puja & Festival Guide
• The Hindu: Understanding Karthika Deepam
• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams – Utsavams

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By SriVyasapooja Content Team
Published on SriVyasapooja.in – Dedicated to authentic coverage of Hindu festivals & rituals