Subrahmanya Shasthi, also known as Skanda Subrahmanya Shasthi is an important festival for Hindus that is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (Skanda). It is observed on the ‘Shasthi’ (6th day) tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Margashira’ as per the traditional Hindu calendar. For those following the Gregorian calendar, this date falls between the months of November-December. Lord Subrahmanya is the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is known by different names like ‘Kartikeya’, ‘Velan Kumaran’, ‘Murugan’ and ‘Tamil Kadavul (the God of Tamils). For this reason this day is also celebrated with different names like ‘Kartikeya Subrahmanya Shasthi’ and ‘Kukke Subrahmanya Shasthi’.

Moreover this day is also known as ‘Subrahmanya Champa Shasthi ‘when the Shukla Paksha Shasthi tithi of the Margashira month falls on a Sunday. Subrahmanya Shasthi holds special significance for Lord Kartikeya followers as it marks the triumph of Lord Subrahmanya over the demon named Tarakasura. Subrahmanya Shasthi is celebrate with immense fervour and gaiety in the southern parts of the country, namely in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most awaited events in South India.