Karthigai Masam 2026 – Importance of Karthika Month in Tamil Calendar

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 2026 begins on November 17 and ends on December 15. 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 24, 2026).

• 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 24

Karthigai Amavasya is on December 8

Ekadasi Fasting dates are on

November 20 (Kaisika Ekadasi)

December 4

Pradosh Fasting Dates are on

November 22

December 6

Sashti Fasting date is on

December 15

Sankashti Pillayar Chaturthi

November 27

Other Auspicious days

Sabarimala Darshan begins on November 17

Birthday of Sathya Sai Baba November 23 (annually held on the same day).

Mahasamadhi day of Sri Aurobindo on December 5 (annually held on the same day).

Karthigai Deepam - Vaikanasa Deepam - November 24
Birthday of Subramania Bharati on December 11.