Karthigai

Karthigai
Native nameKārtikai
CalendarTamil calendar
Month number8
Number of days29 or 30
SeasonKulir (autumn)
Gregorian equivalentNovember–December
Significant days
← Aipasi
Margazhi →

Karthigai is the eighth month of the Tamil calendar. The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Kiruthigai nakshatra (star) on the pournami (full moon) day. The month corresponds to kulir kaalam (autumn season) and falls in November–December in the Gregorian calendar.

In the Hindu lunar calendar, it corresponds to the eighth month of Kartika, falling in the Gregorian months of October–November.

In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the eighth month of Vrscika and begins with the Sun's entry into Scorpio.

In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the eighth month of Damodara.

Festivals


The Purnima (full moon day) of the month is celebrated as various festivals by the Tamils. Karthika Deepam is a festival of lights observed mainly by the Tamils on the day. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month coinciding with the Kṛttikā nakshatra. The festival is dedicated to god Murugan and is commemorated by lighting deepams outside and inside the homes. Karthigai Pournami involves pilgrimages, lamp-lighting and ritual bathing in sacred rivers.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  2. ↑ Garima Garg (2022). Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures. Penguin Random House. p. 75. ISBN 978-9-354-92705-8.
  3. ↑ Martha Ann Selby (2003). The Circle of Six Seasons. p. xxix. ISBN 978-0-141-00772-4.
  4. 1 2 Robert Sewell; John Faithful Fleet (1989). The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar. Asian Educational Services. p. 334.
  5. ↑ "Hindu Panchang". Hindu Net. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  6. ↑ "Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  7. ↑ "Something about the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  8. ↑ Gajrani, S. (2004). History, Religion and Culture of India. Gyan Publishing House. p. 207. ISBN 978-8-18205-061-7. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  9. ↑ Spagnoli, Cathy; Samanna, Paramasivam (1999). Jasmine and Coconuts: South Indian Tales. Libraries Unlimited. p. 133. ISBN 978-1-56308-576-5. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  10. ↑ "Karthika Deepam – Significance & Rituals". Hindu-Blog. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  11. ↑ Sharma, S. P.; Gupta, Seema (23 October 2006). Fairs and Festivals of India. Pustak Mahal. ISBN 978-8-122-30951-5 – via Google Books.
  12. ↑ Dwivedi, Dr. Bhojraj (2006). Religious Basis Of Hindu Beliefs. Diamond Pocket Books. p. 171. ISBN 978-8-128-81239-2. Retrieved 7 November 2012.