The Significance of Thrikarthika 2025: Know the rituals and fasting traditions

Thrikarthika, also known as Vrischika Deepam or Karthika Vilakku, will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4, this year, when the Karthika star in the month of Vrischikam, the eighth month of the Indian solar calendar, coincides with the full moon. Considered the most sacred festival of lights in India after Diwali, Thrikarthika holds special cultural and spiritual significance in South India, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

According to ancient belief, Thrikarthika marks the night when divine energy comes closest to the earth. The rare alignment of the Karthika star and the full moon, often referred to as the “Queen of Lights” , is believed to create an atmosphere charged with spiritual power.

The decorations

Lighting lamps in homes and fields during Vrischikam is a long-practised tradition rooted in the belief that divine light brings courage and protection. Over centuries, this ritual evolved into the Thrikarthika festival, celebrated with the conviction that light dispels darkness, fear and misfortune.

The day is associated with feminine divine energy. Devotees believe that lamps lit on Thrikarthika invite prosperity, peace, health and protection to the household. Lamps are placed at the doorstep, courtyard and around the home after thorough cleaning, a symbolic expression of purity and light. Clay oil lamps remain central to the celebration, based on the belief that the energy of the earth strengthens the sacred flame.

The evening is considered the most auspicious time. Homes are decorated with rows of lamps, and in many parts of Kerala, lamps are placed on pieces of banana stalk as an offering of gratitude to Mother Earth. Temples mark the occasion with special pujas and rituals; in several temples, the annual festival coincides with Thrikarthika.

The divine energy

The day is observed in many regions as the birthday of Goddess Adiparashakti and is also associated with the incarnations of Mahalakshmi, Tulsi Devi and the Kritika Devis, who are believed to have nurtured Lord Subramanya. Fasting on Thrikarthika is believed to bring divine grace, peace of mind and prosperity.

The fasting ritual

The three-day fast is observed on Bharani, Karthika and Rohini in the month of Vrischikam. Preparations start on Ashwathi with house cleaning.

On Bharani, devotees bathe early, light a ghee or Lakshmi lamp and offer prayers. Temple visits and recitations like Devi Kirtanam, Devi Mahatmya and Devi Bhagavatam are considered auspicious. These rituals continue through Karthika and Rohini. A strict vegetarian diet is followed, avoiding oil baths and daytime sleep. Lighting the Karthika lamp at dusk is believed to bring welfare and the goddess’s blessings. The fast concludes on Rohini after Tulsi Tirtha and evening chanting, with one meal a day allowed.