When is Vaikasi Visakam 2026? Check date, rituals and significance

Vaikasi Visakam is the significant festival, which is celebrated to honor Lord Murugan. The day is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan according to the Tamil calendar. The day falls during a particular Nakshatra which is called as Visakam. According to the Tamil calendar, it will be observed during Vaikasi Month. Let's check out when this festival is going to be celebrated.Visakam Nakshathram Begins - May 29, 2026 - 10:38 AMVisakam Nakshathram Ends - May 30, 2026 - 01:20 PMVaikasi Visakam is going to be celebrated on May 30, 2026. According to Hindu scriptures, Vaikasi Visakam is very important festival for Tamilians as they celebrate this festival as a birth anniversary of lord Murugan. South Indian people celebrate this day with great grandeur and enthusiasm. It is believed that Lord Murgan, also called Kartikeya, was born on this fortunate day. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is regarded by many as the principal deity of the ancient Tamils. As per the legend, Lord Murugan was born on Purnima Tithi, a full moon, under Vishakha or Visakam Nakshatra. He is a legendary fighter and he also represents courage, fearlessness, and bravery. Lord Murugan is the commander of all the Gods. Lord Kartikeya rides a peacock and he has six faces. Lord Murugan was born to destroy the demon Tarkasura. All the gods and his followers, who worship him with great dedication and good intentions are protected by him.Particularly in South India, people commemorate this day with great grandeur, decorate their homes with flowers, make rangoli and visit temples to pray to Lord Kartikeya. The Lord Murugan is honored on this day. The day symbolizes the victory of good over evil. He establoshed the righteousness in the universe by killing the demon Tarkasura. One of the most well-known temples connected to Lord Kartikeya is Subramanyam Temple, where devotees perform abhishekam to Lord Murugan with panchamrit and offer coconut and sweets to Lord Murugan. After performing hawan and yajna, devotees chant several Vedic mantras devoted to Lord Kartikeya. IIn the evening, they break their fast by having sattvik food.