shiva · November–December
Karthigai Deepam
A Tamil festival of lamps associated with Shiva.
The short version
Set aside ten quiet minutes to read about Karthigai Deepam, make a small safe offering of attention, and share one generous action.
Open a listed year below for the date and local-time guidance.
Published dates
What Karthigai Deepam means
Karthigai Deepam is part of the wide and varied Hindu festival year. Its stories and customs differ across regions and lineages; this page keeps the familiar name first and explains the traditional context without assuming a temple nearby.
How to observe it
Choose a simple practice that is safe for your health: read, pray, light a lamp, or offer food to another person. Community observance is welcome but not required.
Outside India
Local sunrise, sunset, and the reader’s timezone determine the clock time. Diaspora communities may move a public programme to a weekend.
For yoga teachers
Karthigai Deepam offers a class theme of attention, meaning, and an open invitation to learn rather than perform a tradition you have not inherited.
Questions people ask
What is Karthigai Deepam?
A Tamil festival of lamps associated with Shiva.
How can I observe Karthigai Deepam outside India?
Begin with the simplest practice on this page. A temple is not required.
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