Karthika Masam Traditions: Deepams, Karthika Pournami, and Vana Bhojanalu
Karthika Masam is one of the most sacred months in the Telugu calendar. Falling around October and November, just after Deepavali, it is a month of lamps, prayers, cool evenings, and family picnics. It is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also honoured by devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Here is a family guide to the beautiful traditions of Karthika Masam.
Lighting Deepams Every Evening
The most loved Karthika tradition is lighting deepams (oil lamps) at dusk. Families place lamps at the tulasi plant, the doorstep, and in the pooja room. Many women light lamps at temples every day of the month.
The lamp symbolises knowledge driving away ignorance. For children, lighting a small lamp each evening is a calm, magical ritual.
Karthika Somavaram (Mondays)
Mondays in Karthika are considered especially sacred to Lord Shiva. Many devotees fast during the day, visit Shiva temples in the evening, and light lamps. Temples like Srisailam, Draksharamam, and others see large crowds.
Early Morning River Baths
Traditionally, people take a holy dip in rivers such as the Godavari and Krishna before sunrise during Karthika. On special days, riversides fill with devotees floating small lamps on leaves, a stunning sight in the early darkness.
Karthika Pournami
The full moon day, Karthika Pournami, is the highlight of the month. In the evening, many families light a lamp with 365 wicks (365 vattulu), one for each day of the year, believing it brings blessings for the whole year. Lamps are also floated on rivers, ponds, and temple tanks.
Nagula Chavithi
In many Andhra homes, Nagula Chavithi falls in Karthika. Families visit anthills (putta) believed to be homes of snakes, offer milk and flowers, and pray for the family’s wellbeing. It reflects an old respect for nature and all living beings.
Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi
On this day, the tulasi plant is worshipped together with a branch of the usiri (amla/Indian gooseberry) tree, symbolising the divine marriage of Tulasi and Lord Vishnu. Homes glow with lamps around the tulasi kota.
Vana Bhojanalu: Picnics Under the Trees
One of the most fun Karthika traditions is vana bhojanalu, a community picnic in a garden or grove, ideally under an usiri tree. Families, neighbours, and community groups cook and eat together outdoors, play games, sing, and enjoy the pleasant weather. It is a wonderful tradition of togetherness and connection with nature.
Food During Karthika
Many families eat simple, sattvic vegetarian food during this month. Some avoid onion and garlic. Seasonal dishes and offerings include pulihora, daddojanam (curd rice), payasam, and dishes made with usiri.
Celebrating Karthika With Children
- Light a small deepam together every evening and say a short prayer.
- Make a “365 wicks” lamp on Karthika Pournami and count the wicks together.
- Float a small leaf lamp in a bowl of water at home.
- Organise a vana bhojanam picnic with friends in a park.
- Learn about the usiri tree and taste amla in pickle or chutney.
Final Thoughts
Karthika Masam is a month of light, simplicity, and togetherness. Its traditions, from the evening lamp to the family picnic, teach children to slow down, feel grateful, and find joy in simple things.
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