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Karthigai Deepam is one of the oldest and most important festivals in Tamil culture. It is often called the Tamil "Festival of Lights" and has deep religious and cultural significance. According to one popular story, the festival is linked to a dispute among the gods, which ended when Lord Shiva
appeared as a huge, endless pillar of fire. Lighting lamps on this day is believed to honour that divine flame.
Myth Associated With the Festival
Another legend connects the festival to Lord Murugan's birth. It is said that sparks from Shiva's third eye formed Murugan, who was cared for by the six Krittika maidens. Because of this, the festival is also linked to the Krittika star, which appears in the sky on this day. For devotees, Karthigai Deepam symbolises spiritual light, protection, and cosmic balance.
Karthigai Deepam in Tiruvannamalai, 2025
In 2025, Karthigai Deepam in Tiruvannamalai will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4. The Krittika star period begins on the evening of December 3 and ends on the afternoon of December 4. Most of the families light ghee or oil lamps at home between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, which is considered the most auspicious time.
At the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, the festival is celebrated on a large scale. The morning Bharani Deepam is lit inside the temple around 4:00 AM, and the famous Maha Deepam, a giant flame on top of Arunachala Hill, is lit around 6:00 PM. Thousands of devotees gather every year to witness this grand event.
People celebrate by cleaning their homes, drawing kolams, lighting rows of clay lamps, preparing traditional sweets, and offering prayers. Temples also conduct special rituals and processions throughout the day.
Ticket Booking to Tiruvannamalai
For 2025, online tickets for Bharani Deepam and Maha Deepam can be booked on the official portal. Because a huge crowd is expected, visitors are advised to book early and plan their trip.
