Pathanamthitta: Thrikarthika is the festival of lights celebrated in Kerala and many other parts of India on the day when the Kartika Nakshatram (star) and the full moon come together in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid-November to mid-December). On that evening, all the houses, streets, and temples of villages and cities will be illuminated by Thrikarthika lamps (lamps made out of clay, referred to in Malayalam as chirad). Thrikarthika Day is considered the birth day of Shakthi, known as Bhagvati in Kerala. Karthika lamps are lit to welcome Mahalakshmi.
Kartika lamps will be lit in Sabarimala as well, with prayers to dispel negativity and embrace the light of goodness. At the time of Deeparadhana (evening lamp worship), camphor lamps will light in the Sannidhanam, symbolising wisdom and the fulfilment of wishes.
Lamps will be lit together by the Tantri and Melshanthi in the mandapam where Ganapati Homam is held, and the Dewaswom staff will light the lamp in front of the flagpole on both sides of the Pathinettampadi (18 divine steps).
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