🗓️ Month: December 2025 (Margazhi / Karthigai Month as per Tamil Panchangam)
🌍 Region: Tamil Nadu, India
🙏 Focus: Tamil Hindu Festivals, Vratham (fasting) days, and major observances
Tamil culture celebrates every month with deep devotion, marking sacred vratham (fasting) days, temple poojas, and deities’ festivals aligned with the lunar and solar movements. The month of December 2025 holds special significance with Karthigai Deepam, Mandala Pooja, Masa Shivaratri, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi, along with several auspicious vratham days like Pradosham, Ekadashi, and Sankatahara Chaturthi.
Let’s look at the Tamil Festivals and Vratham Dates in December 2025 based on the Tamil calendar.
🕉️ Tamil Festivals & Vratham Dates – December 2025
| Date | Day | Festival / Vratham | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Dec 2025 | Monday | Ekadashi (Guruvayur / Mokshada Ekadashi) | Fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu for moksha (liberation). |
| 2 Dec 2025 | Tuesday | Pradosham | Evening Shiva Puja for removal of sins and peace in life. |
| 4 Dec 2025 | Thursday | Bharani Deepam, Pournami Viratam, Pournami, Karthigai Vratham, Karthigai Deepam | The grand festival of lights in Tamil Nadu — Karthigai Deepam — dedicated to Lord Shiva as an eternal flame. Devotees light lamps in homes and temples. |
| 7 Dec 2025 | Sunday | Sankatahara Chaturthi | Observed in honor of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and bring success. |
| 15 Dec 2025 | Monday | Ekadashi (Saphala Ekadashi) | Fasting day for spiritual success and fulfillment of desires. |
| 16 Dec 2025 | Tuesday | Dhanu Sankranti, Sabarimala Nada Thurappu | Beginning of the auspicious Dhanur month; Sabarimala temple opens for devotees. |
| 17 Dec 2025 | Wednesday | Pradosham (Budha Pradosh) | Shiva worship during twilight hours for peace and prosperity. |
| 18 Dec 2025 | Thursday | Masa Shivaratri | Dedicated to Lord Shiva; devotees observe night vigil and fasting. |
| 19 Dec 2025 | Friday | Amavasai (New Moon Day) | Day for ancestor worship and performing Tarpanam. |
| 21 Dec 2025 | Sunday | Chandra Darshan | First sighting of the new moon — auspicious for wealth and growth. |
| 22 Dec 2025 | Monday | Sri Somavara Vratam | Devotees of Lord Shiva observe fast on Mondays for blessings and family harmony. |
| 23 Dec 2025 | Tuesday | Thiruvona Vratham | Devoted to Lord Vishnu; observed by Vaishnavas with prayers and fasting. |
| 24 Dec 2025 | Wednesday | Chaturthi Vratham | Monthly Ganesha Chaturthi for the removal of obstacles. |
| 25 Dec 2025 | Thursday | Christmas | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ; celebrated across Tamil Nadu. |
| 26 Dec 2025 | Friday | Shashti Vratham | Fasting and worship of Lord Murugan for courage, health, and protection. |
| 27 Dec 2025 | Saturday | Mandala Pooja | Conclusion of the 41-day Sabarimala Mandala season; devotees complete their penance. |
| 30 Dec 2025 | Tuesday | Vaikuntha Ekadashi / Ekadashi | One of the most important Ekadashis of the year; the Vaikuntha Dwaram opens in Vishnu temples for devotees to attain moksha. |
🕉️ Major Festivals & Highlights
1. Karthigai Deepam (4 December 2025)
The most revered light festival of Tamil Nadu, Karthigai Deepam is celebrated with grandeur at Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, where the Maha Deepam is lit atop the sacred hill. Devotees light rows of lamps (Deepam) in their homes symbolizing divine light and spiritual awakening.
2. Dhanu Sankranti (16 December 2025)
Marks the entry of the Sun into Sagittarius (Dhanur Rashi). The start of Dhanur Masam is considered highly auspicious for performing early morning prayers to Lord Vishnu.
3. Mandala Pooja (27 December 2025)
The Sabarimala Mandala season concludes with Mandala Pooja. Devotees observing the 41-day Ayyappa Vratham complete their pilgrimage on this day.
4. Vaikuntha Ekadashi (30 December 2025)
One of the most sacred days for Vishnu devotees. The opening of ‘Vaikuntha Dwaram’ (Heavenly Gate) at temples like Tirupati Balaji and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) draws thousands of devotees.
📿 Vratham Days Overview
Tamil Hindus observe several vrathams throughout the month such as:
- Ekadashi Vratham for Vishnu worship
- Pradosham and Masa Shivaratri for Shiva
- Sankatahara Chaturthi and Chaturthi Vratham for Ganesha
- Shashti Vratham for Lord Murugan
Each vratham purifies the mind, strengthens spiritual discipline, and brings divine grace.
📅 Note:
For accurate tithi timings, sunrise/sunset data, and regional variations, please refer to the Tithi Calendar – December 2025 (Tamil Panchangam) for detailed muhurtham calculations.
📖 FAQ (display none)
Q1. When is Karthigai Deepam in 2025?
A1. Karthigai Deepam will be celebrated on 4 December 2025, Thursday.
Q2. When is Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December 2025?
A2. Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls on 30 December 2025, Tuesday.
Q3. What is the date of Mandala Pooja 2025?
A3. Mandala Pooja will be observed on 27 December 2025, marking the end of the Ayyappa Mandala season.
Q4. What are the Pradosham dates in December 2025?
A4. Pradosham will occur on 2 December and 17 December 2025.
