Ignoring weathermen's warnings, fasting Shiva devotees took holy dips in rivers and seas to observe the Somavaram Vratham.
The day began with thousands of Shiva devotees making a beeline to temples to mark the beginning of Karthika Somavaram. The month is considered auspicious for devotees of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The devout believe that observing the Karthika Somavaram Vratham with devotion and seeking the blessings of Shiva and Vishnu will make their lives prosperous and healthy.
Shiva and Vishnu temples in the state have been illuminated, and various cultural programs organized to mark the event.
According to mythology, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep on Ashadha Suddha Ekadashi and wakes up on Karthika Suddha Ekadashi. Also, Lord Shiva slayed the Tripurasuras on Karthika Pournami to protect the world.
In this month Ganga (Goddess of the river Ganges) enters all rivers, canals, ponds and wells and makes them as pious as Ganga Herself. Bhavani and Ayyappa deeksha is also taken in the Karthika Masam, and is continued upto Makara Sankranthi (January 1).