HYDERABAD: Karthika Masam, the month that Hindus in the Telugu states dedicate to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, began on Tuesday and runs until December 8. Shiva and Vishnu temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana expect heavy crowds for lamp-lighting, holy dips and Monday fasts through the month.
Key dates
- November 13 (Friday): Nagula Chavithi
- November 16: first Karthika Monday
- November 21 (Saturday): Ksheerabdi Dwadasi
- November 23: second Karthika Monday
- November 24 (Tuesday): Karthika Pournami, with Jwalathoranam
- November 30: third Karthika Monday
- December 7: fourth Karthika Monday
Buses from your colony
TGSRTC says it will run Karthika special buses that pick up pilgrims from colonies, townships and gated communities in Greater Hyderabad. Packages cover Vemulawada, Komuravelli, Kondagattu and Dharmapuri; Kaleshwaram, the Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa; Srisailam and Umamaheshwaram; the Pancharama temples; and Arunachalam, among others. Each bus seats about 40. Fares are available from the relevant depots and divisions.
