Masik Karthigai 2023 Dates, Calendar, Rituals, and Significance
Tamil Hindus primarily observe Karthigai Deepam. It is one of the most ancient holidays celebrated by the Tamils. In the evening of the festival day, rows of oil lamps or Deepam illuminate the dwellings and streets. Both Karthigai Deepam and Karthikai Deepam are synonymous. The name Karthigai Deepam comes from the Nakshatra Karthikai or Krittika. On the day that Krittika Nakshatra dominates the sky, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated. Karthigai Deepam is performed to express gratitude to Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology, converted himself into an eternal flame of fire on this day in order to demonstrate his superiority over Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Although Karthigai day is celebrated every month, it is most significant in the month of Karthigai, which corresponds to the Solar month Vrischika in other Hindu calendars.
In the Tiruvannamalai highlands, the Karthigai festival is well-known. On Karthigai day, a colossal fire lamp is erected on the summit of the hill, which can be observed from several kilometres away. The fire, or Deepam, is called Mahadeepam, and Hindu devotees assemble here to pray to the god Shiva.
Masik Karthigai Dates 2023 Month Wise
| Masik Karthigai | Date |
| Masik Karthigai | Jan 2, 2023, Monday |
| Masik Karthigai | Jan 30, 2023, Monday |
| Masik Karthigai | Feb 26, 2023, Sunday |
| Masik Karthigai | Mar 25, 2023, Saturday |
| Masik Karthigai | Apr 22, 2023, Saturday |
| Masik Karthigai | May 19, 2023, Friday |
| Masik Karthigai | June 15, 2023, Thursday |
| Masik Karthigai | July 13, 2023, Thursday |
| Masik Karthigai | Aug 9, 2023, Wednesday |
| Masik Karthigai | Sept 5, 2023, Tuesday |
| Masik Karthigai | Oct 3, 2023, Tuesday |
| Masik Karthigai | Oct 30, 2023, Monday |
| Karthigai Deepam | Nov 26, 2023, Sunday |
| Masik Karthigai | Dec 24, 2023, Sunday |
Rituals of Masik Karthigai
- It is believed that whoever lights a six-faced flour-and-scented-oil Diya/lamp before Shivalinga will be blessed with excellent health.
- Those who light nine Mukhi lamps/diyas with Shudh (pure) ghee in front of Shivalinga are also blessed with serenity and prosperity.
- Additionally, if a family dispute has been ongoing and you desire to resolve it, offering sugar syrup to Shivalinga is beneficial.
- If you desire to protect your family from harm, offer pink-colored flowers to the Shivalinga.
- If you wish to advance in your professional life, tie a pink thread to the Shivalinga idol on this very day.
Significance of Masik Karthigai
Even though the Karthigai Deepam that occurs during the Karthigai month is regarded as the most significant, devotees observe the day in any month when the relevant Nakshatra is present.
Mythology states that Lord Murugan emerged from Lord Shiva’s third eye during the Karthigai month when the Karthigai Nakshatra was also active. According to legend, the Lord was raised by six goddesses named Dula, Nitatni, Abhrayanti, Varshayanti, and Meghayanti. According to the tradition, the Lord was born in six distinct parts.