Deepam

Deepam is the festival of lights and it occurs "when the moon is in conjunction with the constellation Karthigai and pournami" (Karthikai Deepam). It is believed that the lamps "ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy" (Karthikai Deepam). 

The Nithyananda Diary entry from 25th November 2015 about the Bharani Deepam celebrations reads as follows.

"In the morning, during Bharani Deepam, His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda blesses the celebrations, lighting the first Deepam lamp. He honors each Temple Deity, placing lamps at their feet. His lamp is then carried to all Deities and Murties around the ashram" (Nithyananda Diary).

"At the evening Karthigai Deepam, all the small lamps are returned to the main Lamp at the Temple, which is lit by His Holiness at the same time it is happening at Arunachula - many lamps become one. Just as we perceive we are separate from the Cosmos, Mahadeva, the Lamps symbolize how wth self-realization, we merge with the Cosmos, returning back to our Source" (Nithyananda Diary).

Works Cited

"Karthikai Deepam." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.

"Nithyananda Diary 25th November 2015 | Bengaluru Aadheenam | Nithyanandeshwara Brahmotsavam | Bharani Deepam | Karthigai Deepam and Procession." Nithyananda Diary 25th November 2015 | Bengaluru Aadheenam | Nithyanandeshwara Brahmotsavam | Bharani Deepam | Karthigai Deepam and Procession | Nithyananda Sangha's Official Web Site | Health, Wealth, Relationships, Excellence, Enlightenment, Yoga, Meditation. N.p., 25 Nov. 2015. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.