Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Lighting the Deepam at your home after the Thiruvannamalai Deepam approximately 6pmKarthigai Deepam 2026 (Thirukarthigai Deepam) at Thiruvannamalai is a grand Tamil festival celebrated with the sacred Mahadeepam lighting atop Arunachala Hill, attracting lakhs of devotees to Arunachaleswarar Temple for divine blessings, Girivalam, and vibrant spiritual rituals symbolizing Lord Shiva’s infinite light.
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Lighting the Deepam at your home after the Thiruvannamalai Deepam approximately 6pm
Karthigai Deepam 2026 — one of Tamil Nadu’s most iconic Hindu festivals — celebrates the divine light of Lord Shiva and the victory of illumination over darkness. This luminous event is marked with lamps, devotional fervor, temple gatherings, and spiritual traditions across South India.
In 2026, Karthigai Deepam falls on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. This date marks the full moon (Pournami) in the Tamil month of Karthigai when the Karthigai Nakshatra aligns, making it an auspicious day for lighting lamps and performing rituals.
Karthigai Deepam is known as the Festival of Lights in Tamil culture. It is celebrated with glowing rows of earthen lamps (deepams) placed outside homes, temples, and streets, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and negativity. Devotees believe that lighting a lamp this day invites blessings, prosperity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment.
Thirukarthigai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai is one of the most sacred and grand Hindu festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Every year, lakhs of devotees gather at Arunachaleswarar Temple to witness the divine Maha Deepam, a massive fire lit atop Arunachala Hill, symbolizing Lord Shiva as an infinite flame of light.
If you’re planning to experience Karthigai Deepam 2025 in Thiruvannamalai, here’s everything you need to know — history, significance, rituals, girivalam, timings, and travel tips.
Thirukarthigai Deepam, also known as Karthigai Deepam, is the Festival of Lights dedicated to Lord Shiva. It falls during the Tamil month Karthigai (November–December) when the Karthigai star aligns with the full moon (Pournami).
At Thiruvannamalai, the festival becomes extraordinary because:
This makes it one of the largest temple festivals in India.
The festival symbolizes:
According to legend:
Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once argued about supremacy. Shiva appeared as an endless column of fire. Neither could find its beginning or end. This fire form is Arunachala, and lighting the Deepam represents that infinite light.
The festival begins with flag hoisting at Arunachaleswarar Temple, marking the start of the 10-day celebration.
A sacred lamp is lit inside the temple at dawn, known as Bharani Deepam.
The main event where:
The flame is visible for miles and devotees chant:
“Annamalaiyarukku Arohara!”
This moment is deeply spiritual and emotional.
Devotees walk 14 km around Arunachala Hill barefoot, called Girivalam or Giri Pradakshina, believed to:
👉 Arrive at least 1 day early due to heavy crowds.
Well connected from:
Nearest station: Tiruvannamalai Railway Station
Nearest airports:
✔ Start Girivalam early morning or night to avoid heat
✔ Carry water and light snacks
✔ Book accommodation in advance
✔ Wear comfortable clothes
✔ Follow temple rules
Thiruvannamalai Deepam is not just a festival — it’s a life-changing spiritual experience. The sight of the massive flame glowing atop the hill, devotional chants, and lakhs of lamps lighting the town creates an atmosphere of divine energy and devotion.
Whether you are a devotee or a cultural traveler, Karthigai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai is a must-visit celebration.
