🔥 Karthigai Deepam Festival 2025 – Complete Schedule & Guide for Tiruvannamalai

(As per the official temple programme – Daga Developers Special Guide)

Karthigai Deepam is not just a festival in Tiruvannamalai—it is the soul of the town, the moment when Arunachala Jyoti lights up the sky and millions of hearts together. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple to witness the sacred Maha Deepam atop the holy Annamalai Hill.

This year, Karthigai Deepam falls in November–December 2025, and the official festival schedule has been released.

Daga Developers brings you a simple, accurate, and easy-to-understand guide based entirely on the official temple programme.

📅 Karthigai Deepam Festival Dates – 2025 (Official Schedule)

Here is the full day-by-day programme as per the temple notice:

📌 21.11.2025 – Friday

Tamil Month: Karthigai 05

• Evening: Chandikeswarar Purappadu (Procession)
• Vahana Seva

📌 22.11.2025 – Saturday

Karthigai 06

• Velli Ambal – Utsava Idol Procession
• Evening Vahana Seva

📌 23.11.2025 – Sunday

Karthigai 07

• Ambal Velli Utsava Vimana Purappadu
• Evening Vahana Seva

📌 24.11.2025 – Monday

Karthigai 08 – Dwajarohanam (Flag Hoisting)

• 6:00 AM – 7:15 AM: Dwajarohanam marking the official start of the Deepam festival
• Evening: First major Vahana Seva
• A key day – festival energy begins here

📌 25.11.2025 – Tuesday

Karthigai 09

• Morning: Chandikeswarar Purappadu
• Evening: Simha Vahanam

📌 26.11.2025 – Wednesday

Karthigai 10

• Punnai Maram Vahanam – Evening procession

📌 27.11.2025 – Thursday

Karthigai 11

• Swarnaratham (Golden Car)
• Huge crowds expected

📌 28.11.2025 – Friday

Karthigai 12

• Silver Rishabha Vahanam (Very important and popular)

📌 29.11.2025 – Saturday

Karthigai 13

• Chandra Prabhai Vahanam (Moon Chariot)

📌 30.11.2025 – Sunday

Karthigai 14

• Morning: Therottam – Temple Car Festival
• Evening: Utsavar Special Purappadu

📌 01.12.2025 – Monday

Karthigai 15

• Pushpa Pallakku (Flower Palanquin)

📌 02.12.2025 – Tuesday

Karthigai 16

• Naga Vahanam Procession

📌 03.12.2025 – Wednesday – THE MAIN DAY

Karthigai 17 – Bharani Deepam & Maha Deepam

🔥 Morning – Bharani Deepam

• Early morning inside the temple
• Sacred ghee lamps are lit in the sanctum

🔥 Evening – Maha Deepam on Arunachala Hill

• Around sunset
• A gigantic ghee-filled cauldron is lit on the hilltop
• This marks the spiritual climax of the entire festival
• Lakhs of devotees chant “Annamalaiyarukku Haro Hara!” as the flame rises

📌 04.12.2025 – Thursday

Karthigai 18

• Kalyana Utsavam of Annamalaiyar & Unnamulai Amman

📌 05.12.2025 – Friday

Karthigai 19

• Vellarai Purappadu – Evening procession

📌 06.12.2025 – Saturday

Karthigai 20

• 9:00 PM: Chandikeswarar purappadu
• Special night rituals

📌 07.12.2025 – Sunday

Karthigai 21

• Velli Ambal Purappadu
• Conclusion of Deepam Festival

🔥 Significance of the Festival

1. Dwajarohanam – Beginning of Divine Energy

The hoisting of the holy flag marks the start of 10 days of intense rituals, processions and celebrations.

2. Vahana Sevas – Each Day a Symbolic Journey

Every vahana represents a deeper meaning:

• Rishabha (Bull): Dharma & strength
• Simha (Lion): Courage
• Chandra Prabhai: Peace
• Swarnaratham: Prosperity & divine grace

3. Bharani Deepam – Inner Flame Awakening

Held before sunrise inside the sanctum, considered highly sacred.

4. Maha Deepam – The Moment the Sky Lights Up

Millions witness the holy flame lit atop the hill – symbolizing Shiva as Jyoti Swaroopa, the Infinite Light.

🧭 Things You Must Do During Deepam

🌙 1. Girivalam (Giri Pradakshina)

• 14 km sacred walk around Arunachala
• Best done early morning or late night

🕉 2. Visit Sri Ramana Ashram & Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram

• Ideal for meditation and quiet reflection

🏔 3. Visit Skandashram / Virupaksha Cave

• Short trek
• Peaceful, historically connected to Sri Ramana Maharshi

🔥 4. Witness the Maha Deepam

• Be at your spot by 3 PM
• Expect huge crowds

🚗 Travel Tips for Visitors

✔ Book Stay Well in Advance

Hotels and guest houses fill up very fast.

✔ Carry Essentials:

• Water
• Torch
• Shawl
• Power bank
• Comfortable sandals

✔ Transport:

• Nearest Airport: Chennai / Bangalore
• Trains available to Tiruvannamalai
• Buses from Chennai, Bangalore, Pondicherry

✨ Daga Developers Wishes You a Blessed Deepam

As a proud Tiruvannamalai-based real estate brand, Daga Developers welcomes all devotees to this sacred land during Deepam 2025.

May Lord Arunachaleswarar bless your family with light, prosperity, and peace.

If you are looking for DTCP-approved plots, premium layouts, or new projects near major amenities in Tiruvannamalai,

contact Daga Developers today.

📞 7888 222263 | 7200 222263 | 04175-222263

📍 No. 76, 2nd Floor, Thirumanjana Gopura Street, Tiruvannamalai – 606601

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