Karthigai
8th month of the Tamil calendar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Karthigai is the eighth month of the Tamil calendar.[1] The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Kiruthigai nakshatra (star) on the pournami (full moon) day.[2] The month corresponds to kulir kaalam (autumn season) and falls in November–December in the Gregorian calendar.[3][4]
| Karthigai | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Kārtikai |
| Calendar | Tamil calendar |
| Month number | 8 |
| Number of days | 29 or 30 |
| Season | Kulir (autumn) |
| Gregorian equivalent | November–December |
| Significant days | |
In the Hindu lunar calendar, it corresponds to the eighth month of Kartika, falling in the Gregorian months of October–November.[4]
In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the eighth month of Vrscika and begins with the Sun's entry into Scorpio.[5]
In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the eighth month of Damodara.[6][7]
Festivals
The Purnima (full moon day) of the month is celebrated as various festivals by the Tamils. Karthika Deepam is a festival of lights observed mainly by the Tamils on the day.[8] The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the month coinciding with the Kṛttikā nakshatra.[9] The festival is dedicated to god Murugan and is commemorated by lighting deepams outside and inside the homes.[10] Karthigai Pournami involves pilgrimages, lamp-lighting and ritual bathing in sacred rivers.[11][12]
