Sūra-saṃhāraṃ or soora-samharam also known as Skanda ṣaṣṭhi or kanda sashti, is the most important festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. Kanda Sashti is observed mainly by Tamil Hindus. The day of Kanda Sashti is decided based on lunar month and it falls during the sixth day of Karthikai Month (Karthikai Masam in Tamil).
During Kanda Sashti, devotees observe six days of fasting which starts from the first day or Pirathamai ( called prathamā in the northern Hindu calendar ) of the Aippasi lunar month and ends on the sixth day which is known as Soorasamharam day. Soorasamharam is the final and the most important day of the six days festivities. It is believed that Lord Murugan defeated Demon Surapadman on the very same day and the festival of Soorasamharam is observed every year to mark the victory of good over evil.
It is important to note that the day when Shasti Tithi conjugates with Panchami tithi is chosen for Soorasamharam vratam. Hence most temples observe Kanda Sashti on Panchami tithi if Shasti Tithi starts before sunset on panchami Tithi.
Kanda Sashti celebrations at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple are the most famous ones. The six days celebrations which start from Pirathamai of Aippasi Masam culminate on Soorasamharam day. Thiru Kalyanam is observed on the next day of Soorasamharam.
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This year Soorsamaharam 6 days fasting starts on 2nd Nov 2024 and Soorsamaharam day is on Shasti 7th Nov 2024!
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