Girivalam in November 2026: Karthigai Pournami and Deepam
November 2026 is not an ordinary Girivalam month. The Pournami falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, the very day of Karthigai Deepam, when the Maha Deepam flame is lit atop Arunachala Hill at dusk. The Pournami tithi begins at 11:42 PM on Monday, 23 November and ends at 8:23 PM on Tuesday, 24 November, calculated for Tiruvannamalai.
This is the single biggest Girivalam of the year. Lakhs of pilgrims walk with the summit flame in view, and the town operates in full festival mode with the ten-day Deepam celebrations running from 15 to 24 November.
November 2026 Timing Table
| Detail | Timing |
|---|---|
| Tamil month | Karthigai |
| Pournami / Deepam day | Tuesday, 24 November 2026 |
| Tithi begins | 11:42 PM, Monday 23 November |
| Tithi ends | 8:23 PM, Tuesday 24 November |
| Bharani Deepam | Around 4:00 AM, 24 November, inside the temple |
| Maha Deepam lighting | Around 6:00 PM at dusk, atop the hill |
Note: The temple’s official festival programme, published closer to the date, is the final authority on all timings. We update this page when it is out.
Walking Windows This Month
- Monday 23 November, from 11:42 PM: The tithi opens near midnight; the small hours of Deepam day carry huge but moving crowds.
- Tuesday 24 November, pre-dawn: Walk in the hours around the 4 AM Bharani Deepam; intense, devotional, very crowded.
- Tuesday evening, after the 6 PM lighting: The most iconic walk of the Tamil year, under the newly lit flame, and by far the densest crowd. Only for those comfortable in massive gatherings.
- The days after Deepam: Not within Pournami, but the flame keeps burning for days; dawn walks on 25 to 27 November offer the flame with far more breathing room.
Festival Mode: What Changes
- Vehicle restrictions and one-way pedestrian flows on the Girivalam road, announced by the district administration
- Parking pushed to outskirts grounds; town-core roads closed at peak times
- Hotels sold out weeks ahead across the festival window
- Annadanam, water points and medical camps operating at their largest scale of the year
November Comfort Notes
Late November is one of the most pleasant times of year here: cool nights, mild days, low rain risk after the monsoon’s main spell. The weather is the easy part this month; the crowd is the challenge.
Quick Checklist for Deepam Girivalam
- Book your stay the moment plans firm up
- Arrive at least a day before 24 November
- Fix a family meeting point; networks strain under festival load
- Keep children’s hands held; slip a contact note in their pocket
- Travel light: water, small snacks, minimal valuables
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Girivalam date in November 2026?
Tuesday, 24 November 2026, coinciding with Karthigai Deepam; the tithi runs 11:42 PM on 23 November to 8:23 PM on 24 November.
Is November Girivalam the biggest of the year?
Yes. Deepam-day Girivalam draws the largest crowds Tiruvannamalai sees all year.
What time is the Maha Deepam lit?
Customarily around 6:00 PM at dusk on 24 November, following the dawn Bharani Deepam; the temple’s programme confirms exact times.
Can I walk after the tithi ends and still see the flame?
Yes. The flame is maintained for days, and the after-days at dawn are the calmest way to walk beneath it.
Will roads be closed?
Expect heavy restrictions: one-way pedestrian flows, diverted vehicles and outskirts parking per the administration’s announcements.
How early should I book a hotel?
Weeks ahead at minimum for the festival window; near-temple stays go first.
Is the walk safe for elderly pilgrims on Deepam day?
The main-evening crush is demanding; the after-days at dawn are the safer, kinder option.
Is there any ticket for Deepam Girivalam?
No. The walk remains free; only temple sevas and darshan tickets involve payment.
Plan Your Deepam Trip
Read the full Karthigai Deepam 2026 date and festival guide and the detailed Deepam Girivalam survival guide, and book from our hotels near the temple list early.
