Tiruvannamalai Temple Festivals

Explore major Tiruvannamalai Temple festivals including Karthigai Deepam, Pournami Girivalam, Shivaratri, Pradosham, and annual utsavams with full details.

Festivals of Tiruvannamalai – A Complete Guide for Pilgrims

Tiruvannamalai is a temple town where every month feels like a celebration. The presence of Annamalai Hill, the spiritual power of Lord Arunachaleswarar, and the ancient traditions of Tamil Shaivism make each festival feel alive and meaningful.
From the glowing lights of Deepam to the silence of Girivalam, every festival here carries a unique energy that draws lakhs of devotees throughout the year.

Karthigai Deepam – The Festival of Light Beyond Lights

Karthigai Deepam is the most important and grand festival celebrated in Tiruvannamalai. The entire town transforms into a sea of lamps, and the evening sky glows when the Maha Deepam is lit at the peak of Annamalai Hill.

Why Devotees Consider Deepam Special

The flame represents Lord Shiva as the eternal light. Devotees believe that witnessing the Maha Deepam burns away negativity, cleanses the mind, and fills the heart with inner clarity and strength.

What Pilgrims Experience

  • Lamps lit across houses, streets, and the temple

  • Deepa rituals inside all mandapams

  • Huge crowds waiting for the exact moment of lighting

  • A breathtaking view of the flame shining above the temple towers

Visitors are advised to arrive early as traffic restrictions begin hours before the ceremony.

Pournami Girivalam – Walking in the Shadow of the Sacred Hill

Every full moon night, lakhs of devotees walk the 14 km Girivalam path around Annamalai Hill. This tradition is believed to be one of the most powerful spiritual practices in India.

Spiritual Meaning

The hill itself is worshipped as Shiva. Walking around the hill with devotion is said to bring peace, remove inner burdens, and offer divine blessings.

What to Expect on Full Moon Days

  • Police and volunteer support throughout the path

  • Lit lamps along the road

  • Water and medical stations

  • Active participation of devotees from many states

The walk is best done early morning or early night to avoid heat.

Maha Shivaratri – The Night of Shiva’s Blessings

Shivaratri is celebrated with deep devotion in Tiruvannamalai. The temple remains active throughout the night, with chanting, prayers, and special abhishekams.

Key Rituals

  • Repeated abhishekams to Lord Shiva

  • Devotees staying awake all night

  • Powerful chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya”

  • Many performing Girivalam before sunrise

This night is believed to be ideal for spiritual awakening and inner growth.

Chitra Pournami – A Day of Divine Grace

Chitra Pournami is one of the most auspicious days for Girivalam. Pilgrims believe the full moon of this month carries special blessings for new beginnings and forgiveness of past mistakes.

Atmosphere on This Day

  • Bright moonlight covering the hill

  • Large crowds walking the Girivalam path

  • Calm and devotional environment

  • Many families performing special prayers

Chitra Pournami is considered one of the most beautiful nights in Tiruvannamalai.

Pradosham – The Hour of Removing Negativity

Pradosham is observed twice every month. Devotees gather to witness the special abhishekam performed for Lord Shiva and Nandi.

Why Pradosham Is Powerful

This twilight period is believed to be the time when Lord Shiva forgives shortcomings and removes obstacles. Many pilgrims visit the temple specifically on Pradosham for blessings related to family, career, and well-being.

Navaratri – Nine Nights of Divine Feminine Energy

The temple celebrates Navaratri with traditional decorations, Devi alankarams, music, and rituals.

What Pilgrims Can See

  • Beautifully decorated shrines

  • Processions inside the temple

  • Evening poojas dedicated to Goddess Parvati

  • Traditional music and cultural programs

These nine nights offer a peaceful devotional experience.

Thai Poosam – Festival of Devotion and Discipline

Thai Poosam is associated with Lord Murugan, symbolising victory and purification. Pilgrims fast, carry offerings, and visit the temple for blessings.

How It Is Celebrated

  • Special poojas in Murugan shrines inside the temple

  • Devotees carrying kavadi in gratitude

  • Mild crowd compared to Deepam but spiritually intense

Panguni Uthiram – Divine Marriage Celebration

Panguni Uthiram celebrates the holy union of Shiva and Parvati.

Festive Activities

  • Marriage rituals performed symbolically

  • Decorations with flowers and lamps

  • Evening processions with temple deities

It is considered one of the most auspicious days for worshipping divine couples.

Other Celebrations Throughout the Year

Tiruvannamalai celebrates festivals across every season, including:

Popular Events

  • Deepavali

  • Tamil New Year

  • Vaikunta Ekadashi

  • Aadi Krithigai

  • Aadi Pooram

  • Kanda Sashti

  • Vasantha Utsavam

Each festival brings its own rituals, alankarams, and temple traditions.

A Month-by-Month Flow of Celebrations

What Happens Every Month

  • Pournami Girivalam

  • Pradosham

  • Weekly special poojas

  • Monthly special abhishekams

  • Ritual days tied to Tamil calendar

Tiruvannamalai is one of the few temples where spiritual activity never stops.

Tips for Pilgrims Visiting During Festivals

Important Suggestions

  • Arrive in Tiruvannamalai early, especially before major festivals

  • Book accommodation well in advance

  • Carry essentials like water, medicines, and comfortable footwear

  • Follow safety instructions from police and temple volunteers

  • Avoid bringing large bags to festival areas

Visitor FAQ

Which festival attracts the largest crowd?

Karthigai Deepam draws the largest gathering, followed by Pournami and Shivaratri.

Is Girivalam allowed every day?

Yes, but full arrangements and lighting are done only on Pournami.

Which festivals are best for first-time visitors?

Pradosham, Navaratri evenings, Chitra Pournami, and Thai Poosam are peaceful yet spiritually rich.

Festivals at Tiruvannamalai are not just events—they are experiences filled with faith, light, chants, and deep spiritual meaning. Each festival connects devotees to the timeless energy of the sacred Annamalai Hill and the divine presence of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
Whether you visit on a quiet day or during one of the grand utsavams, the temple offers moments that stay in your heart forever.