Karthigai Deepam
Tamil festival of lights — the giant flame on Arunachala Hill at Tiruvannamalai.
Gregorian date
25 November 2026
Wednesday
Tithi
Krittika nakshatra in Tamil Karthigai month
Kartika (October – November)
Duration
single-day
Regional emphasis
Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka
Also known as
Kartika Deepam · Tiruvannamalai Deepam
Significance
Falls on the Krittika nakshatra in the Tamil month Karthigai. The most spectacular observance is at Tiruvannamalai, where a giant flame (Mahadeepam) is lit on top of Arunachala Hill at dusk — visible for miles. Households across Tamil Nadu light rows of agal-vilakku (oil lamps).
What happens on the day
- •Light rows of oil lamps (agal-vilakku) at home and on the streets
- •Visit Tiruvannamalai if possible — witness the Mahadeepam at sunset
- •Recite Karthigai-related stotras
- •Bursts of crackers in some regions
About the month of Kartikaकार्तिक
The most festival-rich month. Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath, Tulsi Vivah, and Kartik Purnima all fall here.
More festivals in Kartika
Kati Bihu
17 October 2026 · Sun enters Libra → Scorpio cusp (solar)
The austere Bihu — small lamps in paddy fields, prayers for the harvest.
Karva Chauth
30 October 2026 · Krishna Chaturthi
Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for husbands' longevity.
Kerala Piravi
1 November 2026 · Fixed Gregorian (November 1)
Kerala's birthday — the day the state was formed in 1956.
Dhanteras
6 November 2026 · Krishna Trayodashi
The Diwali week begins — gold and metal purchases peak today.