Celebrations are always associated with some event and if it’s something traditional, it’s sure, it’s associated with some story of Mythology. Festivals are really celebrated in hearts of people when they find some time to spare from their busy schedules for those dear ones so near to their hearts. So, truth is that no one is really bothered about the truth behind stories connected to festivals. Importance is given for its enjoyment and the pleasure it gives!
South Indians, particularly Tamilians have a special attachment towards Subramaniya –Shiva’s son whom they fondly call as Vel Muruga. He is also known as Karthikeya. Palani Subramaniya temple is very famous. Subramaniya is the elder son of Siva and Parvathy and his younger sibling is Lord Ganesha. Subramaniya was born on Karthika star in Malayalam month Vrischikam which falls between November 15 and December 15. Normally it falls on a full moon day. It’s believed that Muraga was taken care by six stars and since it’s his birthday, this occasion is really auspicious for his devotees. So they celebrate this occasion with great enthusiasm. Vaishnavaiks, the believers of Lord Vishnu celebrate this day as Vishnu Deepam while Siva devotes celebrate it as Bharani Deepam. It’s also believed that it’s the day of victory of Goddess over Narakasura and birthday of Goddess Karthyayani, another form of Parvathy.
Thamasoma Jyothirgamaya - Diwali of South India
It can be seen as another version of Diwali- the festival of lights. Like Diwali, Thrikarthika’s message is also the same – victory of truth over sin. So, people are lighting traditional lamps known as ‘Chirad’ made of clay in their homes and temples at evening twilight. Actually children are more interested in lighting lamps than elders. Lamp is known as ‘Vilakk’ in both Malayalam and Tamil and hence lighting lamps on Karthika day of Vrischikam month is known as Karthika Vilakk.
Every temple filled with Chiraad
This festival gives the message of removing darkness by spreading light. On Thrikkarthika day, each and every temple of Kerala and Tamil Nadu celebrate the occasion by lighting lamps. In Kerala, it’s mostly concentrated towards south than north. Also, Goddess temples are celebrating it more believing it to be the birthday of Devi Karthyayani. In many temples, each and every corner will be filled with lamps at ‘Trisandhya’ time. Not only temple authorities, but devotees also light lamps in the temples. Chirad is the auspicious symbol of harmony kindling the spirit of prosperity and joy of celebrations. Payasam is prepared in temples and distributed among devotees. Thiruvinnamala temple of Tamil Nadu, situated on the top of the hills is a spectacular spot to watch on this special occasion. Here the festival is known as Annamalai deepam. In Kerala, Devi temple of Kumaranalloor of Kottayam district is most famous for Thrikarthika celebrations.
Karthika Puzhukku – Dish prepared from tubers
It’s believed that Muruga devotes should eat tuber dishes today. Normally they prepare elephant yam, sweet potato or tapioca adding grated coconut. Also, in many places cow sheds are cleaned well and decorated.
Astrologists say
According to astrologists, Vrischikam rasi is not good. So, to get rid of the difficulties of this rasi, it’s good to light lamps in temples and homes. Also, it’s believed that it can increase the strength of moon. It may be true or false, but the real fact lies in the joy of lighting lamps to get rid of darkness bringing prosperity.
Celebrations at home
Houses and premises will be kept clean. People light clay chirads everywhere in their homes – courtyard, sit-out, hall, staircase, balconies, terrace and pooja room. First they fill the lamps with oil and put cotton threads. Then, they light lamps one by one. Sometimes, bronze lamps known as Nilavilakku are also placed in the sit-out or veranda. If a group of family members is engaged in this activity, the pleasure it gives is double fold. Then having Karthika Puzhukku together in funs and gossips is something like a get together. In Tamil nadu, different lamps like Lekshmi vilakk and Pavai vilakku are arranged in a special order to give a warm welcome to chilly twilight. In Tamil Nadu, a traditional custom of giving lamps to a newly wedded bride is also followed. For her first Thrikkarthika after marriage, her mother gifts her with a new set of lamps. This custom is known as ‘Thalai Karthika’, though it’s not followed in Kerala. Gifts are exchanged and new dresses worn.
During this celebration, crackers are not used, just celebrated in peace and silence. Streets also celebrate Thrikkarthika by lighting lamps by road side. Auto stand, taxi stand, main junctions, stops etc form a part of such celebrations. Before doing this, they will clean the public place.
Holy month of fasting and Vrita for all religions
Vrischikam month is famous for its divinity and spirituality. While Hindus of South India take vritha for going to Sabarimala, it’s the holy month for Muslims. Christians also leave non-vegetarian meals as they are taking vritha for Christmas. Ekadasi and Dwadesi celebrations of Hindus are also commenced this month. It’s again lighting of lamps in temples. It’s considered as a favourable month for gaining knowledge and wisdom.
My Thrikarthika celebrations
When I came to Thrissur last year, I was surprised to know that though lights are lighten on Diwali, only a few families celebrate Karthika festival at home. But I was happy to see temples filled with deepams celebrating the occasion in grand way. Yet, as usual, I lit my chirads in the twilight praying God to fill my life with his warm blessings and lights of prosperity. When my tulsi garden and veranda were filled with small lights of joy, I could see its brightness in my daughter's eyes too!