Karthigai Deepam is Tiruvannamalai’s year compressed into one night: after a 10-day festival, the Bharani Deepam burns at the temple at dawn and, at dusk, the Maha Deepam — a giant caldron of ghee — is lit on the Arunachala hilltop, visible across the district. 2026’s date is reported as 24 November (Drik Panchang).
The scale: the 2025 edition drew a reported ~40 lakh devotees on Deepam day; 2024’s estimates ran 40–50 lakh. Checked 02 October 2026.
The calendar
| Item | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Karthigai Deepam 2026 | Reported 24 November | Reported (panchang) |
| Festival frame (2025 model) | 10 days; car festival two days before the Deepam | Reported |
| Maha Deepam scale | ~40 lakh (2025, reported); 40–50 lakh estimated (2024) | Reported |
Planning notes
- Book by September — Tiruvannamalai’s inventory cannot hold 40 lakh; stays within 100 km sell first.
- The Deepam evening is stationary — most pilgrims watch from fixed points across town; the hill road closes.
- Girivalam on Deepam pournami is the combined super-event — the bridge guide’s crowd logic at 10×.
- Yatra Alerts carries the date confirmation and the government’s crowd advisories.
Frequently asked questions
When is Karthigai Deepam 2026?
Reported 24 November (Drik Panchang) — confirm as the date nears.
How big is it?
Reported ~40 lakh on the 2025 Maha Deepam day — among India’s largest single-day gatherings.