📅 Festival Details at a Glance
| Festival Name | Masik Karthigai |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 September 2026 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Calendar | Solar Calendar |
| Nakshatra | Karthigai |
| Deity | Lord Shiva & Lord Murugan |
| Observed In | Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka |
| Ritual Focus | Lighting of lamps (Deepam) |
📌 What is Masik Karthigai?
Masik Karthigai is a sacred monthly observance in the Tamil Hindu tradition, celebrated whenever the Karthigai Nakshatra prevails. The word Masik means monthly, indicating that this festival is observed every month, unlike Karthigai Deepam, which is celebrated on a grand scale once a year.
This day is considered extremely auspicious for lighting oil lamps (deepam) to invoke divine light, protection, and spiritual awakening.
🔱 Religious & Spiritual Significance
Masik Karthigai symbolizes:
- Victory of light over darkness
- Removal of ignorance and negativity
- Inner purification and clarity
- Blessings for home and family
Lighting lamps on this day is believed to:
- Attract positive energy
- Remove planetary doshas
- Bring peace and prosperity
- Protect the household from evil forces
🛕 Deities Associated with Masik Karthigai
🔥 Lord Shiva
Masik Karthigai is linked to the Jyoti (divine light) form of Lord Shiva, reminding devotees that Shiva is the eternal flame of consciousness.
🪔 Lord Murugan (Kartikeya)
The festival is also deeply associated with Lord Murugan, especially in Tamil culture, as Karthigai Nakshatra is considered sacred to him.
🕯️ Masik Karthigai Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
Morning Rituals
- Wake up early and take a bath.
- Clean the house, especially entrances and puja area.
- Wear clean and preferably traditional clothes.
Deepam Lighting Ritual
- Light oil lamps using gingelly (sesame) oil.
- Place lamps at:
- Main entrance
- Puja room
- Balcony or windows
- Some devotees light 5, 7, or 9 lamps.
Puja Steps
- Offer flowers and incense.
- Chant Shiva or Murugan mantras.
- Meditate briefly focusing on inner light.
- Conclude with prayers for peace and wisdom.
🪔 Importance of Lighting Lamps (Deepam)
Lighting deepam on Masik Karthigai:
- Symbolizes enlightenment
- Dispels mental and spiritual darkness
- Honors Agni (fire element)
- Strengthens positive vibrations in the home
It is believed that lamps lit on this day burn away accumulated karmic impurities.
🌿 Food & Fasting Traditions
- Simple sattvik food is preferred.
- Some devotees observe partial fasting.
- Offerings may include fruits and sweet dishes.
- Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are avoided.
🌍 Regional Observance & Traditions
Masik Karthigai is widely observed in:
- Tamil Nadu temples
- Homes following Tamil Solar calendar
- Murugan temples and Shiva temples
In temples, special deepam rituals and abhishekam are performed.
🧘 Spiritual Benefits of Masik Karthigai
Devotees believe that regular observance:
- Improves mental clarity
- Enhances devotion and discipline
- Brings harmony in relationships
- Helps spiritual progress (sadhana)
❓ Short FAQ – Masik Karthigai
Q1. When is Masik Karthigai in 2026?
Masik Karthigai will be observed on 3 September 2026 (Thursday).
Q2. Which calendar is followed for Masik Karthigai?
It is based on the Solar Calendar and Karthigai Nakshatra.
Q3. Which deity is worshipped on Masik Karthigai?
Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan are worshipped.
Q4. Is fasting mandatory on Masik Karthigai?
No, fasting is optional; lighting lamps with devotion is most important.
Q5. Why is lighting lamps important on this day?
It symbolizes inner awakening and removal of darkness and negativity.
Panchang Official