Karthikai Deepam or Karthikai vilakkidu is a festival of Lights which is observed in every temple of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It falls in the month of Kārttikai as per the Tamil calendar. In Kerala, this festival is known as Thrikkarthika. Karthigai Deepam is an ancient festival which has been celebrated in across Southern India, even before Deepavali and Navaratri celebrations. Kaarthigai Deepam is celebrated on the full moon day of Tamil month Kaarthigai. The lamp with the divine flame is considered an auspicious symbol. It is also considered as the extension of the Deepavali festival, and at several homes, people conclude the festival with many lamps on the day of Kaarthigai Deepam or Deepam.