January is one of the most pleasant months to walk around Arunachala: cool mornings, mild nights and the festive mood of Thai Pongal. Here is everything you need for Girivalam January 2027: the Thai Pournami date, exact tithi timings, the best hours to walk, crowd expectations and nearby festivals.
Girivalam January 2027: Date and Timings
| Tamil month | Thai |
| Pournami begins | Thursday, 21 January 2027, about 9:30 PM IST |
| Pournami ends | Friday, 22 January 2027, about 5:47 PM IST |
| Best window to walk | Night of 21 January (after 9:30 PM) into the early morning of 22 January |
| Expected crowd | High (Thai Pournami, festive season) |
Timings are calculated astronomically for Tiruvannamalai; the temple announces the official window a few days before. For the full year, see our Girivalam dates 2027 calendar.
Best Time to Walk
- Most popular: start after 9:30 PM on Thursday 21 January and walk through the night. The full moon will be high and bright.
- Cooler and calmer: start at about 4:00 AM on Friday 22 January and finish by 8:30 AM.
- Daytime: January days are comfortable, so a morning walk on 22 January is also pleasant. Finish before 5:47 PM, when the tithi ends.
More guidance in our Girivalam timings article.
What Else Is Happening in January 2027
- Thai Pongal (mid-January): the harvest festival; the town is decorated and festive.
- Thiruvoodal festival: held the day after Thai Pongal, a unique Tiruvannamalai celebration on Thiruvoodal Street. See our temple festivals calendar.
- Thaipusam: falls around the Thai Pournami, and Murugan shrines, including those linked to Arunagirinathar, see special worship.
- Pradosham: on 5 January and 20 January 2027. See Pradosham dates 2027; the 20 January Pradosham is the day before Pournami, a good reason to stay two nights.
- Ramana Jayanthi: Bhagavan Ramana’s birth anniversary, celebrated on Arudra Darshan in Margazhi (late December or early January) at Sri Ramanasramam. Read his life story.
Weather in January
Expect daytime highs around 28 to 30°C and night-time lows around 18 to 20°C. Nights can feel cool after midnight, so carry a light shawl. Rain is rare. See our best time to visit guide.
Plan Your January Girivalam
- Book rooms 1 to 2 weeks ahead; January weekends are busy with holiday travellers. See hotels in Tiruvannamalai.
- Route: follow the Girivalam route map and stop at Adi Annamalai.
- Rules: read the Girivalam rules and procedure.
- Travel: from Chennai, Bangalore, Vellore or Pondicherry; special buses run on Pournami.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Girivalam in January 2027?
The Thai Pournami runs from about 9:30 PM on Thursday 21 January to about 5:47 PM on Friday 22 January 2027.
What is the best time for Girivalam in January 2027?
The night of 21 January after 9:30 PM, or the early morning of 22 January.
Is January a good month for Girivalam?
Yes. It is one of the most comfortable months, with cool nights and little rain.
When is the next Girivalam after January 2027?
The February 2027 (Masi) Pournami runs from about 7:59 AM on 20 February to 4:53 AM on 21 February 2027.
