Karthikai Deepam

This is a festival celebrated by Tamil Hindus on the Tamil month called  Karthikai which falls on December or November end. This is even called as festival of lights or even Deepam(oil lamp) festival. It is believed by Hindu Tamilians that the birth of Lord Subramaniya(முருகன்) happened on this date. The lord Subramaniya or Murugan is primarily worshiped by Tamilians and also some parts of Malaysia, Sri lanka, China (Penang), Singapore and Mauritius. Even people believe the origin of Tamil language is after Lord Muruga's birth. Agal Velaku (Oil Lit Lamps) is placed in front of all houses and the entire streets will glow in lights. This is one of the very ancient festival been followed by Tamil people. This festival falls on a full moon day of Karthikai month, all the temples will have a special pooja on this auspicious day. There are also references in Sangam Tamil literature that this festival is celebrated during 200 BC. 

Birth of Lord Muruga: 

Lord Muruga is born from the flame of Lord Siva's third eye, the supreme power Siva who with his powers have given birth to Murugan. Murugan birth has a reason to kill a demon to save Indiran and others.

On Karthikai Deepam, Thiruvannamalai the place where Lord Shiva temple is there, on this day a huge fire lamp will be lit in top of the Tiruvannamalai hills which is visible to people in the town. This deepam is called as Mahabharanidheepam. Lots of devotees will visit this place on this day to see the deepam.