Kaarthigai Deepam is a festival of lights, celebrated in the Tamil month of Kaarthigai by Indian Hindu community. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kaarthigai month which coincides with Krithikai star.
This is extended Diwali festival. Lord Shiva takes the form of a jyothi (light of fire) on the hill of Thiruvannamali on this day to supress the pride of Lord Brahma and Lord Mahavishnu. It is believed that Lord Shiva – the destroyer of evil makes His presence felt during that time.
This is not a festival just in Temples. This is a festival celebrated in every home. On this day, every house is decorated with kolams(rangoli) and lots of lamp lights. Karthigai-pori (rice cake) is offered to God
This year Karthigai Deepam falls on Dec 3rd 2006. Some people celebrate it on Dec 4th 2006 since the Karthigai star extends to Dec 4th also. I did clean my pooja room today and lighted some lamps. Later we did nivedyam with fruits (since I didnt have Karthigai-pori) to Lord Shiva.
Cheers
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