Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is an ancient and significant festival of lights celebrated by Tamil Hindus. It falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the moon is in conjunction with the Karthigai star (Pleiades). The festival is a beautiful spectacle where millions of oil lamps (agal vilakkus) are lit in homes, on streets, and in temples, creating a divine and mesmerizing glow that dispels the darkness.

The festival is particularly famous in Tiruvannamalai, where a massive fire lamp, known as the Mahadeepam, is lit atop the Annamalai hill, visible for miles around. It is a symbol of the cosmic light of Lord Shiva and is believed to bring immense blessings and prosperity.