Karthigai Deepam is an important festival of lights in Tamil Nadu. It honors Shiva. On this day, people light lamps to show that light conquers darkness, knowledge triumphs over ignorance, and hope over despair. Thousands of glowing lamps turn streets, homes, and temples into a beautiful and magical spectacle of positivity and divinity.
If you are planning to celebrate
Karthigai Deepam, here is the step-by-step procedure.
Clean and Decorate Your Home
The very first step to clean your home well. Cleaning signifies the purging of negativity and creating space for positivity. After cleaning your home, decorate it with fresh flowers, colorful kolams or rangolis at the entrance of the house. These help attract divine blessings and lend a festive look to your surroundings.
Light Agal Vilakku
The main ritual of Karthigai Deepam is the lighting of oil lamps, or Agal Vilakku. On Karthigai Deepam day, place lamps all around your home - the entrance, windows, and balcony. This is done to dispel darkness. Many people also create beautiful patterns using the lamps.
Use earthen lamps with sesame oil or ghee, which are more auspicious, as they have spiritual significance. The lamps signify the presence of divine energy in your home, which attracts positivity and prosperity.
Worship Lord Shiva
Karthigai Deepam is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, who appeared as an eternal flame on top of the Arunachala Hill on this holy day. So, you can worship Shiva at home or a nearby temple.
There are grand celebrations at the
Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. The Maha Deepam lit atop the Arunachala Hill, marks the festival's climax and can be seen from afar. Try to go on a pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai to witness this enchanting spectacle, as it can bring many divine blessings.
Perform Special Poojas
Perform special Poojas during the Karthigai Deepam festival. Prepare an altar in the Pooja area/room using idols or pictures of Shiva, Murugan, and other deities. Beautify the altar with flowers and light incense sticks. Offer naivedyam (food offerings) like Adhirasam, Paniyaram, and sweet Pongal.
Chant Shiva Mantras and sing devotional songs to create a spiritual atmosphere.
Make Festive Delicacies
People always prepare special delicacies during festive occasions. During Karthigai Deepam, devotees make traditional delicacies, including puffed rice (pori), appam
, adhirasam, and ellu urundai
(sesame seed balls). These are first offered to the deities and then shared with family and friends.
Perform Girivalam
If you visit Tiruvannamalai during Karthigai Deepam, perform Girivalam
, the sacred walk around Arunachala Hill. Devotees from all over the world come to Tiruvannamalai to take part in this ritual. It is an unforgettable and divine experience to walk the 14 km Girivalam path under the light of thousands of lamps. People believe that this ritual can bring abundant blessings and remove obstacles.
Spend Time with Family
Karthigai Deepam is also a joyous occasion that unites family and friends. By performing
Poojas, lighting lamps together, and sharing festive delicacies, you can spend quality time with your loved ones, thereby strengthening your bonds.
Perform Acts of Charity
Karthigai Deepam is a good time to engage in charitable activities. It is the custom for many people to perform acts of charity on this day. So, donate food, clothing, money, etc., to the needy. Such acts of kindness bring immense blessings.
Light Lamps on All Three Days
Karthigai Deepam is celebrated for three days. The festival starts with
Bharani Deepam. On the first day, a lamp is lit at the Arunachaleshwarar Temple before dawn. On the following days, devotees light lamps at home. It is believed that lighting lamps each day is very auspicious and brings positive energy and divine blessings.
Watch the Maha Deepam
Maha Deepam is a very spiritual experience for devotees. At the top of Arunachala Hill, a large vessel or cauldron filled with ghee is lit. People can see the flame for miles around. On seeing the Maha Deepam, the air is filled with chants of "Annamalaiyarukku Arohara!" (Praise be to Annamalai), adding to the atmosphere of devotion and reverence.
Conclusion
Karthigai Deepam is a time to seek the light within, eliminate negativity, and experience joy and positivity. Follow the steps above and enjoy a memorable Karthigai Deepam celebration with your loved ones.
On November 19, 2024