Arunachaleswarar Temple is alive with festivals throughout the year. Beyond the famous Karthigai Deepam, there are four major Brahmotsavams, monthly Pournami and Pradosham worship, and unique local celebrations such as Thiruvoodal that you will not find anywhere else. This Arunachaleswarar Temple festivals calendar explains each festival month by month so you can plan your visit.
Festival Calendar at a Glance
| Tamil Month | Approx. Period | Festival | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chithirai | April to May | Chithirai Vasantha Utsavam, Chitra Pournami | Very high on Pournami |
| Vaikasi | May to June | Vaikasi Visakam | Moderate |
| Aani | June to July | Aani Brahmotsavam, Aani Thirumanjanam | Moderate |
| Aadi | July to August | Aadi Pooram (for Goddess Unnamulai Amman), Aadi Pournami | High |
| Aavani | August to September | Vinayagar Chathurthi | Moderate |
| Purattasi | September to October | Navaratri | Moderate |
| Aippasi | October to November | Annabhishekam on Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti | High |
| Karthigai | November to December | Karthigai Deepam Brahmotsavam (10 days) | Extreme |
| Margazhi | December to January | Arudra Darshan, Thiruvempavai dawn worship | High |
| Thai | January to February | Thiruvoodal festival, Thai Pournami, Thaipusam | High |
| Masi | February to March | Maha Shivaratri, Masi Magam | Very high |
| Panguni | March to April | Panguni Uthiram (divine wedding) | High |
The Four Brahmotsavams
The temple traditionally celebrates four grand Brahmotsavams (10-day festivals) a year, in Chithirai, Aani, Aadi (for the Goddess) and Karthigai. Each features flag hoisting, morning and evening processions of the deities on different vahanams (vehicles) around the Mada streets, and a chariot festival.
Karthigai Deepam Brahmotsavam
The biggest of all. Ten days of processions culminate in the Bharani Deepam at dawn inside the temple and the Maha Deepam lit on the hilltop at dusk. The great chariot (Maha Ratham) procession on the seventh day is a spectacular sight. Full details in our Karthigai Deepam festival guide and Karthigai Deepam 2026 date.
Chithirai Vasantha Utsavam
The spring festival in April to May, coinciding with Chitra Pournami, one of the busiest Girivalam days of the year.
Aani Brahmotsavam
A quieter but traditional festival in June to July, ending with Aani Thirumanjanam, the ritual bath of Lord Nataraja.
Aadi Pooram
Dedicated to Goddess Unnamulai Amman, celebrated in the auspicious month of Aadi, with special processions and fire-walking ceremonies associated with the Goddess.
Unique Tiruvannamalai Festivals
Thiruvoodal (Thai)
Held the day after Thai Pongal in mid-January, Thiruvoodal enacts a lovers’ quarrel (oodal) between Lord Arunachaleswarar and the Goddess on Thiruvoodal Street. The Lord leaves the temple for Girivalam alone, and returns the next day to a reconciliation. The festival gives Thiruvoodal Street its name.
Masi Magam and the Vallala Maharaja rites
On Masi Magam, the Lord travels to Pallikondapattu to perform the annual funeral rites (theerthavari) for the Hoysala king Vallala Maharaja, who had no son, a moving custom recorded in temple tradition. Read more in our guide to the temple gopurams and history.
Maha Shivaratri
All-night worship, with the special Lingodbhava pooja at midnight recalling the column-of-fire legend. See Maha Shivaratri 2027 at Tiruvannamalai.
Annabhishekam
On Aippasi Pournami, the lingam is covered with cooked rice, symbolising Shiva as the provider of food. The prasadam is distributed to devotees.
Monthly Observances
- Pournami Girivalam: every full moon. See 2026 and 2027 dates.
- Pradosham: twice monthly Nandi abhishekam. See Pradosham dates 2027.
- Krithigai: monthly Murugan worship, linked to Arunagirinathar.
Tips for Festival Visits
- Book stays early; see our hotels guide.
- Procession timings shift each day; ask at the temple office or check local announcements.
- Expect separate queues, road closures and one-way systems on the big days.
- Follow the dress code and keep valuables to a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest festival at Arunachaleswarar Temple?
Karthigai Deepam, a 10-day Brahmotsavam in November or December ending with the Maha Deepam on the hilltop.
What is the Thiruvoodal festival?
A unique Tiruvannamalai festival the day after Thai Pongal, enacting a divine lovers’ quarrel between Shiva and Parvati on Thiruvoodal Street.
How many Brahmotsavams are held at Tiruvannamalai?
Four major Brahmotsavams are traditionally held, in Chithirai, Aani, Aadi and Karthigai.
When is Annabhishekam at Tiruvannamalai?
On Aippasi Pournami, the full moon of the Tamil month of Aippasi (October to November).
