The world-renowned Karthigai Deepam festival, one of the most significant and spectacular Hindu festivals in South India, is set to be celebrated with immense grandeur at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.
This 10-day event, known as the Karthigai Brahmotsavam, culminates in the lighting of the colossal Maha Deepam atop the sacred Arunachala Hill, transforming the mountain itself into a brilliant Jyotirlingam—the infinite pillar of fire, representing Lord Shiva.
The main auspicious day for the lighting of the Maha Deepam in 2025 is Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
10-Day Karthigai Deepam 2025 Festival Schedule:
The festival officially begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting and continues with daily processions (Vahana Utsavams), each day dedicated to different forms of the deities.
| Date | Day | Event Details | Key Significance |
| Nov 24, 2025 | Monday | Dwajarohanam (Flag Hoisting), Panchamurthigal on Silver Vahanam | Marks the official commencement of the 10-day Brahmotsavam. |
| Nov 25, 2025 | Tuesday | Procession on Golden Suriyaprabha Vahanam, Silver Indra Vimanam | Daily morning and night processions of the Panchamurthis. |
| Nov 26, 2025 | Wednesday | Procession on Silver Anna Vahanam, Simha Vahanam | Devotees witness the deities on various elaborate chariots. |
| Nov 27, 2025 | Thursday | Procession on Silver Kamadhenu and Karpaka Vahanam | The divine 'wish-granting' vehicles. |
| Nov 28, 2025 | Friday | Procession on Silver Rishaba Vahanam (25ft tall) | One of the most popular and splendid processions. |
| Nov 29, 2025 | Saturday | 63 Nayanmars Procession (Morning), Silver Ratham (Night) | Commemorates the 63 Saivite saints. |
| Nov 30, 2025 | Sunday | Maha Ratham (Temple Car Festival) | The massive wooden chariots carrying the deities are pulled by devotees. |
| Dec 1, 2025 | Monday | Procession on Pichandavar Utsavam, Horse Vahanam | Morning and night processions continue. |
| Dec 2, 2025 | Tuesday | Procession on Kailasa Vahanam | The penultimate day's special procession. |
| Dec 3, 2025 | Wednesday | Bharani Deepam (Morning) & Maha Deepam (Evening) | The climax of the festival. |
The Climax: Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam
The tenth and final day is the most sacred, drawing millions of devotees for the dual events of Deepam:
- Bharani Deepam (Morning): Lit inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Arunachaleswarar Temple before sunrise (around 4:00 AM). Five sacred lamps are lit, signifying the 'activation' of Shiva's energy within the temple.
- Maha Deepam (Evening): Around sunset (approximately 6:00 PM), the monumental Maha Deepam is lit atop the 2,668-foot Arunachala Hill. A giant copper cauldron filled with thousands of kilograms of ghee and a thick wick is ignited, symbolizing Lord Shiva appearing as the infinite column of light (Jyothi). The sacred flame is visible for miles around.
The day of the Maha Deepam also coincides with the Karthigai Pournami (Full Moon), making the Girivalam (circumambulation) of the Arunachala Hill exceptionally auspicious. Devotees often begin their walk immediately after witnessing the Maha Deepam.
If you are planning to attend, accommodation and travel should be booked well in advance, as over 30 to 40 lakh devotees are expected to visit Tiruvannamalai for this spiritual spectacle.
