Aadi Karthigai • ஆடி கிருத்திகை
The Krittika nakshatra or Karthigai natchathiram (கார்த்திகை நட்சத்திரம்) of the Tamil month of Aadi is dedicated to Lord Muruga (Karthikeya / Subramanya), son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The festival celebrated on this day is known as Aadi Kaarthigai (Tamil: ஆடி கிருத்திகை), also spelled Aadi Kiruthigai or Aadi Krithikai. It is predominantly a Tamil festival popular among Tamil population.
Aadi Karthigai 2024 is on July 30, Tuesday
3 months to go for the event
Aadi Pooram on August 07, Wednesday and Aadi Perukku which falls on August 03, Saturday are two other major festivals celebrated during Aadi month.
Aadi amavasya is observed on August 04, Sunday.
Karthigai or Karthikai nakshatra comes every month and such days are marked by special pujas and rituals at all Lord Murugan temples. However, the Karthigai nakshatram of Aadi month receives special interest and is considered highly auspicious, because, the Sun starts its southward journey on Karka Sankranti ie., July 16. This marks the end of uttarayana period and the beginning of dakshinayana punyakalam.
The events of Lord Muruga's birth is elaborated in the Skanda Purana, where it is said that Lord Shiva created Muruga from his Third eye in the form of six flames. These flames in the form of babies were raised by six celestial nymphs or maidens known as 'Karthigai Pengal' at Saravana poikai. Lord Murugan was merged into One from these six children by Goddess Parvathi.
As reward for their selfless service, the divine duo - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, blessed the Karthigai Pengal with immortality. Also, worshiping them will be seen as worshiping Lord Murugan himself. Thus, by honouring Karthikai star one is honouring Lord Karthikaya as well.
Special poojas and abhishekams are held at all Lord Murugan temples on the day of Aadi Karthigai. Elaborate functions and special poojas are conducted at Palani, Thiruttani, Swamimalai, Thiruparangundram, Tiruchendur and Palamuthircholai. These six temples, called Aaru padai veedu (ஆறுபடை வீடுகள்) is considered the abode of Lord Murugan. Thousands of devotees visit these temples during Aadi Karthikai. Pilgrims throng the Thiruthani Sri Subramanya Swamy temple and offer Kavadi for Lord Murugan.
Important Timings On Aadi Karthigai 2024
| Sunrise | July 30, 2024 6:00 AM |
| Sunset | July 30, 2024 7:05 PM |
| Krithigai Nakshathra Begins | July 29, 2024 10:55 AM |
| Krithigai Nakshathra Ends | July 30, 2024 10:23 AM |
| Place : Ujjain [ India ] See More | |
Kavadi Attam is a dance performed by the devotees during the ceremonial worship of Lord Murugan.
Aadi Karthigai festival dates between 2020 & 2030
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Wednesday, 12th of August |
| 2021 | Monday, 2nd of August |
| 2022 | Saturday, 23rd of July |
| 2023 | Wednesday, 9th of August |
| 2024 | Tuesday, 30th of July |
| 2025 | Sunday, 20th of July |
| 2026 | Friday, 7th of August |
| 2027 | Wednesday, 28th of July |
| 2028 | Monday, 14th of August |
| 2029 | Saturday, 4th of August |
| 2030 | Thursday, 25th of July |