The climax, literally, of Karthikai is the lighting of a giant torch on the summit of a nearby peak. What you can't see in the photo is that the peak is coated in an inch or so of black, gooey, sticky, highly flammable ghee (clarified butter). Only a matter of time before the whole thing lights up and immolates everyone...which, come to think of it, is likely a sure way to achieve moksha (release from the cyle of reincarnation).

And why light a giant torch on a hill? Shivaites worship lingams, or phallic symbols of Shiva. In the sanctum sanctorum of every Shiva temple lies a giant phallus coated in milk, flowers and other less identifiable offerings. The mountain is itself believed to be a giant lingam, and the torch a representation of its...power.

Quite the sausage party, hmm?