Karthigai Deepam is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu and some parts of Sri Lanka. It is celebrated in the month of Karthigai (November - December), on the full moon day of the Tamil month Karthigai. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety. Karthigai Deepam is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Shiva over the three demons, Tharakasura, Vidyunmali and Tarakaksha. It is believed that a huge fire lit up on the top of the hill and Lord Shiva descended to the earth in the form of a flame which is celebrated as Karthigai Deepam. People decorate their houses with oil lamps and light them up to welcome the festival. As an integral part of the celebrations, people buy earthen lamps or oil lamps and light them up around their house for the entire day. This lights up the entire environment and creates a festive atmosphere. The main attraction of the Karthigai Deepam festival is the lighting of the huge lamp on top of the hill. People gather around the hill to witness the grandeur of the event. The lamp is lit up with camphor and ghee and it is believed that it dispels darkness and all the evil forces from the world. Apart from lighting the lamp, there are other customs and rituals associated with the festival. People offer prayers to the gods and goddesses and perform pujas. Traditional songs and dances are performed to mark the occasion. Sweets and snacks are also prepared and distributed among people. Karthigai Deepam is also an auspicious day for marriages. People perform the marriage rituals and celebrate the occasion. This is also the day when devotees visit the temples and offer prayers to the gods and goddesses. Karthigai Deepam is a day to celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva over the three demons and it is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. People from all over the world gather to witness this grand event and celebrate with great joy and happiness. It is an occasion to rejoice and thank the Almighty for all his blessings.
