Karthika Deepam

Karthika Deepam (Tamil: Kārtikai Tīpam) or Thrikarthika, is a Hindufestival of lights. It is mainly observed by Tamils and Malayalis in India, Sri Lanka and other regions with significant Tamil diaspora. It is celebrated on the first full moon day (purnima) of the Tamil calendar month of Karthigai coinciding with nakshatra of Kṛttikā, and falls on the Gregorian month of November or December. Though it corresponds to the Kartik Purnima, it falls on a different day due to the correction of equinoxes in the Tamil calendar.

The festival is associated with Shaivism, commemorates the origin of Kartikeya and Shiva's manifestation as Jyotirlinga. In Kerala, it is celebrated as Thrikarthika, in honour of goddess Parvati.