Thrikarthika, celebrated in Kerala on the Kartika Nakshatram in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, is a festival of lights that typically coincides with the full moon day. This enchanting celebration transforms homes, streets, and temples into luminous spectacles, as clay oil lamps known as chirad are lit after sunset. While the festival isn’t exclusively dedicated to a particular deity, some believe it honors Shakti, known locally as Bhagavati, while others view it as a celebration of nature or the birthday of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. The illumination of lamps on banana stems, enhanced by tender coconut leaves, creates a striking visual experience against the backdrop of the full moon.