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Karthigai Masam 2023 – Importance of Karthika Month in Tamil Calendar in 2023

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Karthigai Masam, or Karthika month, is the eighth month in a traditional Tamil calendar and it derives its name from the Nakshatram, or star, ‘Krithiga.’ Tamil Month Karthigai in 2023 begins on November 17 and ends on December 16. The Mondays in the month are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Karthigai Somavara Vratam is observed. Another important ritual in the month is the Karthigai Deepam. Ayyappa devotees start the 41-day Ayyappa Deeksha Vratam and take a pilgrimage to Sabarimala in this month.

Importance of Karthigai Masam

  • Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Masam is also famous for the row of lights that are lit in the month. Houses and streets are decorated on the Karthigai star day in the month with lamps and it is known as Karthigai Deepam (November 26, 2023).
  • Thiruvannamalai Deepam
It is believed that Lord Shiva gave darshan to Lord Vishnu and Brahma in the form of a pillar of fire with no ends on this day. This form is also referred as Annamalai Deepam in Tamil and is observed at Thiruvannamalai.
  • Maha Bharani
Another significant event in this month is the Mahabharani which is observed in Shiva temples by lighting bonfires.
  • Significance of the name of the month
The month is also highly auspicious for Lord Muruga devotees as the month is named after the six Krithika stars. Son of Lord Shiva, Muruga was born as different babies – Shanmugha and was looked after by the Six Kritika stars. Later Goddess Parvati joined the six babies to give birth to Kartik or Muruga.
  • Mondays in Karthigai Masam
The Mondays in the month are dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as Karthigai Somavaram.
  • Sabarimala Temple Darshan Begins
Ayyappa devotees start the 41-day Vratam and take a pilgrimage to Sabarimala in this month.

Karthigai Pournami and Amavasya

Karthigai Pournami, or full moon day, on November 27
Karthigai Amavasya is on December 12

Ekadasi Fasting dates are on

November 23 and December 8

Pradosh Fasting Dates are on

November 24 and December 10

Sashti Fasting date is on

November 18

Sankashti Pillayar Chaturthi

November 30

 Other Auspicious days

Sabarimala Darshan begins on November 17
Soorasamharam - November 18
Thirukalyanam - November 19
Birthday of Sathya Sai Baba November 23 (annually held on the same day).
Karthigai Deepam - Vaikanasa Deepam - November 26
Mahasamadhi day of Sri Aurobindo on December 5 (annually held on the same day).
Birthday of Subramania Bharati on December 11.