Why Do We Light So Many Lamps on Karthigai Deepam? Meaning, Rituals & Traditions
One such Hindu festival which is celebrated in Tamil Nadu in India with great beauty is the Karthigai Deepam. Not only houses but also temples and streets are decorated with lamps during this time which gives a serene environment. However, people may question why so many lamps are used at the time of this festival. The lighting of lamps signifies light overpowering darkness, ignorance, and blessings.
This celebration is mainly for worshipping Lord Shiva, but also linked to Lord Murugan. It is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai and means a lot to South Indians. Australians can celebrate this beautiful festival connecting back to their Indian culture and passing down meaningful traditions.
Why Do We Light So Many Lamps During Karthigai Deepam?
Overall, many lamps are lit during Karthigai Deepam. People do Karthigai deepam lamp decoration for welcoming divine light into our lives. Darkness is often linked with ignorance and negativity. Lighting lamps helps remind people to leave all the negative thoughts behind and instead pursue a life of wisdom and kindness.
This celebration is linked to the legend of Lord Shiva appearing as a never ending pillar of fire. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu couldn’t find the start and end of this divine being according to Hindu beliefs. This shows how endless Lord Shiva is and reminds people of his unlimited power.
With many lamps, it enables bringing together the entire family. Lighting of lamps in various places such as the entrance of the house, the prayer room and even courtyard becomes acts of faith in small doses. With many lamps being lit, it becomes a beautiful sight.
Meaning Behind the Lamps
Lighting any lamps can remind people to focus on growing some positive traits like patience, compassion, honesty and faith. Just like how lighting a lamp clears the darkness in a room, focusing on positive thoughts can help clear any confusion and fear.
Many people like lighting oil lamps as it is a way to thank God. People will often light lamps and pray for their families to have a happy, peaceful, healthy and prosperous life.
This festival is closely linked to Lord Murugan, who is revered with utmost devotion by all Tamil families.The festival presents an excellent chance to remember the religious tales, singing hymns and teaching the children the values of traditional festivals.
How To Celebrate Karthigai Deepam At Home
Celebrating Karthigai Deepam at home can be simple and meaningful. Clean the prayer area and front door. Decorate with kolams, flowers and traditional items. Get your lamps ready to have a peaceful evening of pooja with your family.
Choose your lamps. Many people will use traditional clay lamps (agal vilakku) during this celebration. Brass lamps can also be used. You can use a traditional standing lamp (kuthu vilakku). Fill your lamps with oil or ghee, based on your family’s traditions. Add some cotton wicks and light them during your prayers.
Lamp Ideas
Australians can also personalise their decorations. If you live in an apartment or can’t use open flames in certain areas, you can use battery lamps. However it is still important to light a few traditional lamps in a safe and allowed area. This is just to celebrate faith and light.
Traditions & Family
Many Tamil households will light lamps during dusk. Families will come together to pray, eat festive foods and enjoy the beautiful scene. Some families will visit a Shiva or Murugan temple to receive some blessings.
The most well-known celebration is in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. This means a lot to many people. For Australian Indian families this is a great opportunity to keep their cultural traditions going.
Celebrating With Light & Faith
Celebrate with your loved ones, follow your family traditions and make this a meaningful part of your culture in Australia. Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy and prosperous home filled with the divine light of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan.