Question 1

When is Karttigai observed?

Accepted Answer

Karttigai falls when Krittika, a lunar mansion, occurs during the solar month of Vrischika, or Scorpio. The tithi, or lunar day, current at sunrise governs the observance. Its Gregorian date therefore changes each year, and the correct civil day should be read from a local calendar using these conditions.

Question 2

How is Karttigai celebrated?

Accepted Answer

Lighting oil lamps is commonly associated with Karthigai-related observances, so a household may clean the entrance, place lamps near the shrine or doorway, and offer a brief prayer. However, the name Karttigai alone does not establish a universal lamp ritual or a single required sequence.

Question 3

Which god is worshipped on Karttigai?

Accepted Answer

No single deity can be assigned confidently from the name alone. Some regional Karthigai traditions are associated with Shiva, Murugan, or sacred fire, but this entry needs regional or textual confirmation before presenting one of those associations as its defining meaning.

Question 4

Is fasting required for Karttigai?

Accepted Answer

Karttigai does not have one universally established fasting rule on the information available here. A simple vegetarian meal, restraint, or evening prayer may be followed in a particular household, but strict fasting should be undertaken only when prescribed by that family’s or temple’s tradition.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Thu, 4 Dec, 2025	ShuklaShukla Chaturdashi	Margashirsha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 24 Nov, 2026	ShuklaPurnima	Kartika	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 12 Dec, 2027	ShuklaShukla Chaturdashi	Margashirsha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 1 Dec, 2028	ShuklaPurnima	Margashirsha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 21 Nov, 2029	ShuklaPurnima	Kartika	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 8 Dec, 2030	ShuklaShukla Chaturdashi	Margashirsha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 28 Nov, 2031	ShuklaPurnima	Kartika	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 17 Nov, 2032	ShuklaPurnima	Kartika	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 15 Dec, 2032	ShuklaShukla Chaturdashi	Margashirsha	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Karttigai

Dates by year