Hello Everyone, Do you know Kartigai Deepam is a very popular and sacred festival in South India. This festival is celebrated with great pomp, especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. Karthigai Deepam is basically a festival of lights, where numerous lamps are lit in homes and temples. This festival is usually celebrated in the month of Karthika, hence the name Karthigai Deepam.
On this day, people light small earthen lamps (deepams) in front of and around their houses. The light spreads all around and the atmosphere becomes very beautiful and joyful.
History of Karthigai Deepam
There is an ancient mythological story associated with the Karthigai Deepam festival. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a huge Agnistambha (pillar of fire). This incident is believed to have happened to show his power to the gods Brahma and Vishnu.
There is another belief that Karthigai Deepam is also associated with Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). It is said that Lord Murugan was raised by six stars or Karthigai Nakshatra. Therefore, this day is also of special importance for Lord Murugan.
When is Karthigai Deepam celebrated
Kartigai Deepam is usually celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik. According to the English calendar, it usually falls in the month of November or December. Lighting of lamps in the evening is the main part of this festival.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in a place called Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. There, a huge lamp is lit on the top of a hill, which can be seen from a long distance.
Importance of Karthigai Deepam
Kartigai Deepam symbolizes the removal of darkness through light. This festival teaches us that light always dispels darkness and truth always triumphs over falsehood.
This is a very sacred day for devotees. People worship Lord Shiva and Murugan on this day and seek their blessings. Many believe that lighting lamps on this day brings happiness, peace and prosperity to the house.
How Karthigai Deepam is celebrated
On the day of Karthigai Deepam, people clean and decorate their houses from the morning. Clay lamps are placed in rows in front of the doors and windows of the house. In the evening, those lamps are lit one by one with oil.
Special pujas and aartis are organized in many temples. Devotees wear new clothes and go to the temple and pray. This festival is celebrated together with family and neighbors.
Special food on Karthigai Deepam
Some special sweets and food are prepared during this festival. Sweets called “Appam” and “Pori Urundai” are especially popular in Tamil Nadu. These are made with rice, jaggery and coconut.
The whole family sits together and eats this food and shares the joy. These foods increase the joy of the festival.
Conclusion
Kartigai Deepam is a beautiful and meaningful festival, which symbolizes light, faith and devotion. This festival teaches us to spread light and remove darkness in our lives. When the whole family and society celebrate this festival together, the joy increases. Therefore, Karthigai Deepam is an important part of our culture and tradition.
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