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Writer's pictureRexstane Nissi

Karthigai in Madurai

Amidst all-year-round celebrations in the city, Madurai streets glitter in the month of Karthigai. One special day that I don’t miss out on going out and exploring would be the “Periya” Karthigal — the full moon day of the Tamil month Karthigai when the streets are yellow-lit and free of darkness and evil spirits according to Hindu belief. This story is a photo compilation of Karthigai celebrations in my city over the years.

In ‘light’ of this event, rows of Agal Vilukkus (clay oil lamps) are lit in houses to provide good fortune.

It is believed that the lamps ward off evil forces. Here in this picture, a man refills a lamp with oil to keep it alive.
A man relighting the lamps that have been put off by the wind in West Masi Street, Madurai

On the 10th day of the celebrations, the Maha Deepam is lit on the top of the Thiruparangundram hill in the evening and celebrations start at the summit of the hill where the Murugan Temple is located.


Kids wait holding Murugan’s divine spears waiting for the parade to begin.
The temple’s elephant makes an appearance at the celebrations. People receive blessings from him as he marches through the crowd.

A man worships Murugan as the procession makes its way out from the temple and towards the celebration area in Thiruparangundram.
A man and a woman apply holy ash placed on the temple entrance to their foreheads
A Mridangam player among the procession
Temple priests perform rituals before the Chokkapanai is lit
Men light the Chokkapanai at different places
A man walks back after lighting the Chokkapanai

Once the fire ceases, people rush to collect burnt sticks from the bonfire. It is believed that the sticks when planted in farm fields are believed to bring abundant yields during harvest.

More photos of Karthigai celebrations in different parts of the city;















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