Krittika (Karthigai) star in the Tamil month Karthigai · Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Karthigai Deepam 2026: Moon time in Budgam
Moonrise in Budgam
4:51 PM
Tuesday, 24 November 2026
All dates – Budgam
| Date | Moonrise |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, 24 November 2026 | 4:51 PM |
| Sunday, 12 December 2027 | 3:57 PM |
Nearby cities
About this festival
Karthigai Deepam is the Tamil festival of lamps, held when the Krittika (Karthigai) star falls in the month Karthigai, usually on or near the full moon. Homes are lit with rows of agal vilakku (clay lamps), and the Maha Deepam, a huge fire, is lit on top of the Arunachala hill at Thiruvannamalai at dusk.
How it is observed
- Rows of agal vilakku lit around the home at dusk.
- Maha Deepam lit on Arunachala hill, visible for miles.
- Sweets such as pori urundai and appam are offered.
Calculated for Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir (34.02°N, 74.72°E) with a flat horizon. Behind buildings or hills the moon can appear a few minutes later.
Questions people ask
When is the Maha Deepam lit at Thiruvannamalai?
At dusk, around 6 PM, after the Bharani Deepam is lit in the temple early that morning.
Is Karthigai Deepam the same as Kartik Purnima?
They are often on the same day, but Karthigai Deepam follows the Krittika star in the solar month Karthigai, so they can differ.