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Vishnu Deepam in Tamil Nadu - Significance - Sokka Panai in Vishnu Temples on Kartik Purnima in 2024

The full moon day in the Tamil month of Karthigai is observed as Vishnu Deepam by Lord Vishnu devotees (Vaishnavites). Vishnu Deepam is celebrated by lighting bonfire known as Sokka Panai in Vishnu shrines. In 2024, the date of Vishnu Deepam is December 13 (for some communities it is on December 15). The day is popularly known as Karthigai Deepam – when all houses and temples will be decorated with oil lamps after sunset.

Sokka Panai in Vishnu Temples on Karthigai Purnima in 2018

The reason for the festival is based on Lord Vamana (Lord Trivikrama) incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vamana sending King Bali to the underworld is the basis of Vishnu Deepam.

It is said that the two steps of Lord Vamana are the Uttarayan and vernal equinox. And the third step which sends Bali to the underworld is the autumn equinox. The bonfire lit on Vishnu Deepam remembers this event.

Vishnu Deepam is also observed as Yanai Pandigai by some communities in South India.