Karthika Somavara

Karthika Somavara (कार्तिक सोमवार) is the observance of Monday (Somavara, sacred to Lord Shiva) falling within the Karthika month, tracked under two reckonings: Chandramana (Amanta Karthika masa) and Sauramana (the Sun's transit through Vrischika/Scorpio rashi -- Tamil Karthikai month). Devotees fast through the day and worship Lord Shiva with Bilva leaves and Rudrabhishekam.