Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest and most sacred festivals celebrated in South indian households. While we usually light lamps only in the pooja room, the tradition for Karthigai is unique — on this special day, lamps are lit in every room of the house, symbolizing prosperity, purity, and divine protection.

Why We Light Lamps on Karthigai

Karthigai Deepam is believed to be the day when Lord shiva manifested as an infinite flame of light. Lighting lamps is a way of inviting divine energy into the home and dispelling darkness — both external and internal.

According to tradition:

· Lamps represent knowledge over ignorance

· Light signifies peace, positivity, and harmony

· Lighting lamps in all rooms helps purify the space and remove negative energies

This is why families treat Karthigai as a day of spiritual renewal.

The Most Auspicious Time to Light Lamps

Although lamps can be lit throughout the evening, the most auspicious time is generally:

During sandhya Time (Twilight)

This is when day transitions into night, considered spiritually powerful for lighting deepams. Many households follow:

· 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM as the ideal time for lighting the Karthigai lamps

· Matching their lamp lighting with the Maha Deepam lit at the annamalai Hills in Tiruvannamalai

Lighting the lamps during this time is believed to bring:

· Prosperity

· Good health

· Mental peace

· Divine blessings

Where to Light Lamps in the Home

On this special day, it is customary to place lamps in:

· Pooja room

· Living room

· Kitchen

· Balcony and verandah

· Entrance of the house

· Windows, staircase, and hallways

Some families also decorate their home with rows of clay lamps (agal vilakku) to invite prosperity and ward off negativity.

Conclusion

Karthigai Deepam is more than a festival of lights — it is a celebration of faith, energy, and spiritual illumination. Lighting lamps at the right auspicious time and across all rooms of the house is believed to bring divine grace and bless the home with abundance.

May this Karthigai bring light, joy, and peace to your home!

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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