Karthigai Deepam, Tiruvannamalai — Festival calendar

Ten-day festival at the Arunachaleswarar Temple ending with the Maha Deepam lit on top of Arunachala hill at dusk.

Flag hoisting Nov 15; Maha Deepam lit about 6 pm on Nov 24 (Karthigai Deepam on Nov 24 per Drik Panchang).

Karthigai Deepam is Tamil Nadu's festival of lamps, held on the Krittika (Karthigai) star, usually at the full moon, in the month of Karthigai (November–December). Homes across the state line their doorsteps and walls with rows of clay lamps (agal vilakku) that evening.

The festival is centred on Tiruvannamalai, where Shiva is worshipped as a column of fire at the Arunachaleswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams (fire). The ten-day Brahmotsavam begins with flag hoisting and has processions of the deities each day, including the temple chariots on the seventh day.

On the main day, the Bharani Deepam is lit inside the temple before dawn. At about 6 pm, as Ardhanareeswarar is brought out for a once-a-year appearance in the temple, a huge cauldron of ghee is lit on the summit of Arunachala hill (about 2,668 ft); the Maha Deepam can be seen for kilometres around and is kept burning for several days. Lakhs of pilgrims then walk the 14 km Girivalam path around the hill, usually barefoot, on the full-moon night.

Good to know

Maha Deepam day is the busiest day of the year in Tiruvannamalai: the district runs special buses and trains, and private vehicles are stopped at the town limits; plan to walk.
Climbing the hill on Deepam day is restricted by the district administration (limited passes, or closed for safety); check notices before going.
Book rooms months ahead, or base yourself in Vellore or Villupuram and come for the day.
Dress modestly and remove footwear in the temple; photography is not allowed inside the sanctums.
For Girivalam, walk on the designated side of the road, carry water and keep valuables secure.