24 NOV 2026
Karthigai Deepam, Tiruvannamalai
The Maha Deepam is lit on top of Arunachala hill at about 6 pm on 24 November 2026, closing the ten day festival at the Arunachaleswarar temple.
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601
Karthigai Deepam is the biggest festival of the year at the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai. The ten day Brahmotsavam begins with the flag hoisting on 15 November 2026, with processions of the deities on silver and gold vahanams through the streets around the temple each day and the great chariot procession on 21 November.
The main day is Tuesday 24 November 2026. The Bharani Deepam is lit inside the temple at about 4 am, and at about 6 pm the Maha Deepam, a huge flame in a cauldron fed with ghee, is lit on the summit of Arunachala hill, 2,668 feet up. It stays alight for several days and can be seen from miles around.
The day also falls on the Karthigai full moon, so lakhs of devotees walk the 14 km Girivalam path around the hill. Trains and special buses fill up quickly, and the town is packed for two to three days, so book a room early or stay in a nearby town. Entry to the temple on the evening of the Maha Deepam needs passes that the temple administration releases closer to the date.
Karthigai Deepam is the biggest festival of the year at the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai. The ten day Brahmotsavam begins with the flag hoisting on 15 November 2026, with processions of the deities on silver and gold vahanams through the streets around the temple each day and the great chariot procession on 21 November.
The main day is Tuesday 24 November 2026. The Bharani Deepam is lit inside the temple at about 4 am, and at about 6 pm the Maha Deepam, a huge flame in a cauldron fed with ghee, is lit on the summit of Arunachala hill, 2,668 feet up. It stays alight for several days and can be seen from miles around.
The day also falls on the Karthigai full moon, so lakhs of devotees walk the 14 km Girivalam path around the hill. Trains and special buses fill up quickly, and the town is packed for two to three days, so book a room early or stay in a nearby town. Entry to the temple on the evening of the Maha Deepam needs passes that the temple administration releases closer to the date.
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