⭐ Kiruthigai Dates 2026
Krittika Nakshatra day — Kiruthigai (monthly Karthigai) falls when the Moon transits the Krittika nakshatra. It is considered highly auspicious for lighting lamps, worshipping Lord Murugan, and performing fire rituals. The Kiruthigai in the Tamil month of Karthigai is celebrated as the grand Karthigai Deepam festival.
| Month | Date | Day | Name | Daily Calendar | Month Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2026-01-01 | Thursday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in January → |
| January | 2026-01-27 | Tuesday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in January → |
| February | 2026-02-23 | Monday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in February → |
| March | 2026-03-23 | Monday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in March → |
| April | 2026-04-19 | Sunday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in April → |
| May | 2026-05-16 | Saturday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in May → |
| June | 2026-06-13 | Saturday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in June → |
| July | 2026-07-10 | Friday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in July → |
| August | 2026-08-07 | Friday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in August → |
| September | 2026-09-03 | Thursday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in September → |
| September | 2026-09-30 | Wednesday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in September → |
| October | 2026-10-27 | Tuesday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in October → |
| November | 2026-11-24 | Tuesday | Karthigai Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in November → |
| December | 2026-12-21 | Monday | Krithigai | View → | Kiruthigai in December → |
What is Kiruthigai?
Kiruthigai (கிருத்திகை), also known as monthly Karthigai or Krithigai, is observed each month when the Moon passes through the Krittika (Pleiades) nakshatra. In Tamil tradition this day is deeply sacred to Lord Murugan — legend holds that he was raised by the six Krittika maidens, making Krittika his birth star.
The most important practice on Kiruthigai is the lighting of oil lamps (vilakku). Homes, courtyards, and temples are illuminated to welcome divine grace and dispel darkness. Devotees visit Murugan temples, perform abhishekam, and recite Thiruppugazh hymns in praise of Lord Murugan.
The grandest Kiruthigai of the year falls in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November), when it coincides with Pournami to become Karthigai Deepam — one of the most celebrated festivals in Tamil Nadu, marked by the lighting of a beacon fire atop the sacred hill at Thiruvannamalai. On all monthly Kiruthigai days, fasting until moonrise and lighting rows of clay lamps are the central observances.
- Lamp lighting (vilakku)
- Murugan temple visit
- Thiruppugazh recitation
- Fasting
- Abhishekam
- Fire rituals (homam)