Field guidance
Tiruvannamalai becomes a major pilgrimage centre during Karthigai Deepam, with temple ceremonies, rows of oil lamps, large crowds and the lighting of the Maha Deepam on Arunachala Hill.
Arunachaleswarar Temple and Arunachala Hill, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is a major Tamil festival centred on the lighting of the sacred flame atop Arunachala Hill, with temple rituals, thousands of lamps and pilgrims creating strong opportunities for night, documentary and festival photography.
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Photo by Vijay SarathyKarthigai Deepam
Festival dates
2026 edition
2026 edition: 24 November 2026
Date status
Dates estimated
Festival dates may change. Please verify locally before planning travel.
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Festival overview
A living ritual calendar for documentary photographers
Tiruvannamalai becomes a major pilgrimage centre during Karthigai Deepam, with temple ceremonies, rows of oil lamps, large crowds and the lighting of the Maha Deepam on Arunachala Hill.
Festival calendar
Karthigai Deepam events
Published venue dates for this festival only (2026-11-05 to 2027-11-05), grouped by month. Within each month, pinned dates appear first, then chronological ranges. Confirm locally before travel — estimated dates are marked clearly.
Dates to be announced
No published Karthigai Deepam events in the current planning window.
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