KARTHIGAI DEEPAM

To-day is Karthigai deepam.


Karthigai deepma is a lighting of lampson the Kritika on Kartigai natchathiram (star)


Popular belief is that the day is birthday of Lord Muruga.  We can also light the deepam for happy married life and well being of the children
Karthigai deepam and lord muruga also known as skanda, subramaniya, kartik was born as six different babies to Lord siva after he awoke from the deep meditation after goddes sati's death.  The six babies were looked after by the six kritika stars and the six children were later joined to a single force by Goddess parvathi.  In tamil culture we call it as Arumugam.  Another legent that lamps lit symbolically represent knowledge, victory, and peace.  Muruga or Kumaraguru is believed to have taught the meaning of OM to Lord siva.  Thus the lamps lit on the day are in remembrance of sharing the knowledge of "OM"  helps to enlightenment and emancipation  Another legend King bali surrendered before Lord Vishnu, King bali attained moksha by surrendering all his wealth and himself to Lord vishnu.  Special offeres are made from puffed rice and beaten rice is believed to be due to this legend.
Another popular legend associated with this is Lord shiva appearing the in the form of Lingodhbhava - a pillar of fire with no end and beginning.  This is celebrated at the famous Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswar temple as the Thiruvannamalai Deepam

Apart from the above Lord vishnu devotees observe  Vishnu Deepam


during the same period.  Anoter ritual observed during the period is Chokka Panai and Yaani Pandigai.
In Kerala the day is observed as Thrikartika.