Thrikkarthika (Karthika Deepam) is an auspicious 3-day festival held in Kerala during Vrischikam Month of Malayalam calendar. In 2025, Thrikkarthika date is December 4. And three auspicious days during Thrikkarthika are – December 4, December 5 and December 6.
It falls on three days which coincide with Kaarthika, Rohini and Makayiram Nakshatra days in Vrischika Masam (November – December).
Thrikkarthika is a similar festival to that of ‘Karthigai Deepam’ in Tamil Nadu and ‘Kartik Purnima’ of other Indian states.
It is celebrated with utmost fervor in Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple in Ernakulam district.
Thrikkarthika is a significant festival celebrated in Kerala, particularly in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November-December). It is observed on the full moon day and is associated with various religious beliefs and traditions.
Significance
Thrikkarthika is considered an auspicious day marking the birthday of Goddess Karthyayani, a form of Devi Parvati. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating the goddess’s triumph over demons like Sumbha and Nisumbha. It is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Subramanya (Murugan) in some traditions.
Rituals and Celebrations
The festival involves several rituals that vary by region and temple:
- Lighting of Lamps: A central aspect of Thrikkarthika is lighting clay lamps, known as chirads or vilakkus, both at homes and temples. This act symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of prosperity and joy.
- Temple Processions: Temples, especially the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, hold grand processions where the goddess is taken out for a ritualistic bath. The evening celebrations include elaborate decorations and lighting thousands of lamps around the temple.
- Community Gatherings: Families often come together to light lamps, prepare special dishes like Karthika Puzhukku (made from tubers), and share festive meals
Key Events
- Chakkulathukavu Temple: Known for its Pongala festival, where women gather to prepare offerings and participate in communal prayers.
- Kumaranalloor Temple: Hosts one of the most important celebrations, where the goddess’s return from her bath is marked by vibrant festivities.
- Vadakkunathan Temple: Unique rituals are performed here, where offerings are made at a special place instead of the main shrine during Thrikkarthika
We will have a baby girl proposed to be delivered in the third or fourth week of January-2015. Can you please suggest some dates and time during this period which would be most auspicious for the Ceaserean delivery of the baby girl.
Best Regards,