TirthaSeva logo
Arunachala hill under monsoon clouds

Home › Thiruvannamalai › Karthigai Deepam 2026

Tuesday · 24 November 2026

Karthigai Deepam 2026 at Arunachala

Once a year, the hill becomes a lamp. Here is what happens, when, and how to plan your visit.

Maha Deepam
Tue 24 Nov 2026, around 6 pm, on the summit
Bharani Deepam
Tue 24 Nov, before dawn, inside the temple
Festival begins
Sun 15 Nov, flag hoisting (Kodiyetram)
Where
Arunachaleswarar temple and Arunachala hill, Thiruvannamalai

On Karthigai Deepam, a great lamp is lit on the summit of Arunachala. For devotees it is Shiva himself, appearing as light, and lakhs gather in Thiruvannamalai to see it.

The story behind the light

Brahma and Vishnu once argued over who was greater. Shiva appeared between them as an endless column of fire. Neither could find its top or its bottom. That fire is said to have settled as the hill of Arunachala, the Agni lingam among the five Pancha Bhoota sthalams. The Deepam on the summit remembers it every year.

What happens through the festival

  • 15 November: the festival flag is hoisted at the Arunachaleswarar temple. Ten days of celebrations begin.
  • Each day: the deities are taken out in procession on different vahanas, morning and night, with a chariot festival during the week.
  • 24 November, before dawn: the Bharani Deepam is lit inside the temple.
  • 24 November, at dusk: the Maha Deepam is lit on top of the hill. Many devotees walk Girivalam that night.

The practical truth

  • Deepam draws some of the largest crowds in South India. Stays in town fill early, so plan now.
  • Girivalam is a walk of about 14 km around the hill, usually barefoot. Elders can walk part of it or go around by vehicle on the outer road.
  • Climbing the hill on Deepam day is restricted and controlled by the authorities.
  • Carry water, a light shawl for the night, comfortable clothes and a small bag for footwear.

Timings and rules change each year. The temple publishes its official schedule closer to the festival, and we confirm it for every yatra.

Can't come this year?

The Deepam comes once a year, but Girivalam happens on every full moon. Margazhi, from mid-December to mid-January, is also a beautiful time for the temples of Tamil Nadu. Read our Thiruvannamalai guide.

Questions about Deepam?

Questions about visiting for Deepam? Ask us directly.

Start a guided enquiry

Let us plan your Deepam yatra

Tell us who is coming and when. Your SahaYatri plans the stay, travel, darshan and Girivalam around your pace.

Plan my Deepam yatra

Questions yatris ask

When is Karthigai Deepam 2026 at Thiruvannamalai?

The Maha Deepam is lit on the summit of Arunachala on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, around 6 pm. The ten-day festival begins with the flag hoisting on Sunday, 15 November. We confirm the temple's official timings for every yatra.

What is the difference between Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam?

The Bharani Deepam is lit inside the Arunachaleswarar temple before dawn on Deepam day. The Maha Deepam is lit on the top of Arunachala hill at dusk the same day.

Can elders come for Karthigai Deepam?

Yes, with good planning. The crowds are among the largest in South India, so we suggest an unhurried stay, darshan on a quieter day and rest between. Tell us their needs and we will check what is possible.

Can I climb the hill on Deepam day?

Climbing on Deepam day is restricted and controlled by the authorities. Rules change each year; we check the current arrangements while planning.

Can TirthaSeva plan my Deepam yatra?

Yes. We plan travel, stays, darshan and Girivalam around your pace, with a multilingual SahaYatri as your single point of contact. WhatsApp us on +91 74115 67001.