Kodaikanal celebrates Karthigai Deepam in the same way as other parts of Tamil Nadu, with festivities focused on lighting lamps and celebrating light over darkness. The festival is a major event in the region, with locals decorating their homes with oil lamps, drawing kolams, and observing traditions. While major events are in places like Thiruvannamalai, the spirit of the festival is widely shared, so visitors can expect to see the same festive decorations and cultural practices in Kodaikanal.
Celebrations in Kodaikanal:
- Lighting lamps: The most prominent feature is the lighting of oil lamps (agal or diyas) to ward off evil and celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
- Decorations: Homes are cleaned, and doorways are decorated with mango leaves. People also draw intricate rangoli or kolams in front of their houses.
- Family gatherings: Families come together, wear new clothes, share feasts, and visit relatives.
- Spiritual significance: The festival is deeply spiritual, often linked to the worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan.
- Regional focus: While Thiruvannamalai is the most famous location, the joy of the festival is shared across Tamil Nadu, including tourist destinations like Kodaikanal.
What visitors can expect:
- You will find that Kodaikanal embraces the festive spirit of Karthigai Deepam, with local residents celebrating in their homes and neighborhoods.
- While the large-scale public events are centered in other cities, the unique cultural experience of the festival, characterized by beautifully lit homes and family gatherings, can be experienced in Kodaikanal as well.
