Dev Diwali, Karthigai Deepam: Know significance and legend

Know the significance and ritual of Karthigai Deepam and Dev Diwali

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New Delhi: Come November-December and we have two auspicious celebrations on a single day. 

Celebrated in the month of Karthigai (November-December), Karthigai Deepam is an auspicious festival of lights celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Karthigai is basically the name of one of the Nakshatram or Nakshatras. November 25 is 2015's Karthigai Deepam day.

The celebrations are similar to that of Diwali – homes and temples are decorated with oil lamps – which is considered to be a symbol of peace and prosperity.

Some of the other names of the same are :  Vishnu Deepam, Vaikanasa Deepam, Pancharatra Deepam, Chokka Panai and Yanai Pandigai.

Dev Diwali is hailed to be the Diwali festival of Gods and Goddesses, and is yet another important festival which falls in the auspicious month of Kartik. It is primarily celebrated in Gujarat and other parts of North India. This day marks the conclusion of Tulis Vivah ritual.

On this day, Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikunta – after the Vamana avatar. The day is also known as Tripurari Purnima because there's a legend that Lord Shiva achieved victory over three demons who were spreading hatred and violence.