Karthigai Deepam 2025 Date: Full Schedule of 10-Day Hindu Festival In Tiruvannamalai

The month of Karthigai is revered as one of the most spiritually significant periods in the Tamil calendar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Murugan, and Lord Ayyappan, this month is synonymous with the Festival of Lights-Karthigai Deepam.

While the festival is celebrated across South India, it holds a special grandeur in Tiruvannamalai, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Agni (Fire/Light).

When Does the Holy Month Begin?
The Karthigai month for the current cycle begins on November 17, 2025.

Significance: The month begins on a Monday (Somavaram), a day closely associated with Lord Shiva, making it exceptionally auspicious.

Tradition: On this day, devotees of Lord Ayyappan and Lord Murugan typically begin their fasting vows and wear the sacred bead garlands (Malai).

The Grand Festival: Karthigai Deepam

The main Karthigai Deepam festival will be celebrated on December 3, 2025 (Wednesday).

This festival commemorates the legend of Lord Shiva appearing as an infinite pillar of light (Jyothi). To honor this, a massive lamp is lit atop the holy Annamalai Hill, turning the mountain itself into a lingering beacon of divinity visible for miles.

Official Festival Schedule 2025

The celebrations at the Arunachaleswarar Temple span several days, beginning with the flag hoisting and culminating in the Maha Deepam. Below is the detailed schedule for the key events.

The Day of the Deepam (December 3)

Two significant rituals mark the main day of the festival:

Bharani Deepam (4:00 AM): Lit inside the temple sanctum during the early morning hours.

Maha Deepam (6:00 PM): As the sun sets, a colossal lamp is lit on the peak of the mountain. Millions of devotees gather to witness this moment, chanting "Annamalaiyaruku Arogara."

Full moon darshan will be provided from 7.58 pm on December 4 to 5.37 am on December 5 at the Arunachaleswarar temple, which is considered as the Agni Sthalam among the Panchabhootha Sthalams.