The lights of Karthigai Deepam illuminate our live with Lord Shiva’s choicest blessings
History
Karthigai Deepam is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India.It is celebrated on the day of Karthigai Pournami, which occurs when the Karthigai Nakshatra is in control of the sky. This annual festival is celebrated all over India under a variety of names, some of which include Karthigai Deepam, Trikarthika, and Karthikai Vilakkidu. Karthigai Deepam is the name of the festival that typically occurs on the full moon day of the Tamil month Karthigai, which generally occurs between the middle of November and the middle of December. This year, the holiday is observed 5th December 2022.
There are mentions of the Karthigai Deepam festival in the literary work from the Sangam period known as "Agananooru." Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest festivals that Tamil people have been celebrating for as long as anyone can remember. It is referred to as "Peruvizha" in the poems of the great Tamil poet Avvaiyar, who also writes about the festival. This is further evidence that Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest festivals.
It is widely held that the month of Karthigai is a particularly fortunate one, as it is marked by a large number of religious celebrations, poojas, and rituals. The majority of these rituals are performed in honour of Lord Muruga, who is revered by Tamil people all over the world. Karthigai Deepam is a day that is celebrated in a very lavish manner, as it marks the occasion that represents the birth of Lord Muruga.
Karthigai Deepam, from a philosophical point of view, removes the fear and obstacles that exist in one's life and reveals the route to victory: good triumphs over evil. Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with a large number of mud lamps as a customary ritual, which boosts the local economy of the potters, which is significant for social reasons. During the months of November and December, when it rains heavily, the potters don't have any business.
Karthigai Deepam and Tiruvannamalai
The Karthigai Deepam festival has a direct connection to Tiruvannamalai and the enormous temple that is devoted to Lord Siva and is called Lord Annamalaiyar. The Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswar Temple is considered to be one of the five Pancha Bootha Stahls, and it is associated with the cosmic element of Fire. On this most auspicious day, lakhs of devotees make their way to the temple in the hopes of receiving the divine blessings of Lord Siva. The day begins with the complex ceremonies and poojas that were performed the night before. After this, the people begin preparations to bring an enormous cauldron as well as cotton cloths that are kilometres in length to the peak of the mountain, which serves as the picturesque background for the temple.
Tiruvannamalai hosts a celebration that lasts for ten days, and the tenth day is a very important one. The rush of worshippers and tourists to watch the stunning celebrations of the Festival of Lights gives the entire city a joyful appearance. At the peak of the mountain, special poojas are performed in conjunction with the lighting of the lights, which takes place close to the time of sunset. People from all around the world are able to participate in the celebrations thanks to the widespread availability of live broadcasts of the event, which can be seen from a radius of kilometres around the light itself.
Following the conclusion of this elaborate ceremony, the Lord Annamalaiyar statue that serves as the temple's processional deity is led on a parade around the temple, which is attended by thousands of devotees. The event comes to a close after the conclusion of the parade.
Karthigai Deepam celebrations at every temple and home
Karthigai Deepam is a beautiful festival celebrated not only in Tiruvannamalai, but also in every temple and household throughout the state of Tamilnadu.The residences and shrines are given a festive appearance by lighting up rows of lamps. Both the puja room and the area close to the entrance have lit bronze lights that have been arranged in a decorative manner. The presence of vibrant Rangolis throughout the event contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal. The Karthigai festival is also widely celebrated at Koneshwaram, which is located in the province of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. Every Siva temple is in a good mood.
In addition to the various delectable delicacies that are enjoyed by everyone throughout the poojas, the principal dishes that are offered to God during the poojas are puffed rice balls and a sweet made of wheat flour.
In the evening, the holiday is celebrated in a large and colourful manner by lighting oil lamps and placing them in various locations throughout the home and on the balcony. After 6:30 in the evening, the neighbourhood in Tamil Nadu, India, is very breathtaking to look at. An ocean of light can be seen emanating from the staircases, walls, and windows of every house.
Conclusion
In India, festivals serve as the spiritual, economic, and social glue that binds the country's many diverse areas together as one. The calendar is packed with festivities that take place all through the year and serve to reinvigorate everyone's commitment to living in communal peace.
During your travels through South India, you won't want to miss the opportunity to see Karthigai Deepam. It's a festival that's genuinely unlike any other.