The sacred festival of Karthigai Deepam, one of the most significant events in Tamil Nadu's spiritual calendar, is set to illuminate the holy town of Tiruvannamalai in December 2025. This grand celebration, centered around the Arunachaleswarar Temple, attracts lakhs of devotees who witness the symbolic lighting of the gigantic beacon on the Annamalai hill. With specific dates now confirmed, authorities have also outlined the crucial process for online ticket booking to facilitate pilgrims.
Karthigai Deepam 2025: Date and Maha Deepam Timing
According to the Tamil calendar, the core ritual of the festival will be observed on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The pinnacle of the celebration is the lighting of the Maha Deepam (the great lamp) atop the Arunachala hill. This sacred flame is scheduled to be lit at 6:00 PM on that day. The light from this massive earthen lamp, filled with tonnes of ghee and camphor, is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva and is visible for miles around, creating a divine spectacle.
The festival is not a single-day event but the climax of a ten-day period of elaborate rituals and festivities. These preliminary ceremonies, which include flag hoisting (Dwajarohanam) and various processions of the deities, will commence in the days leading up to the main event. Devotees planning their pilgrimage should note this extended schedule to fully experience the spiritual fervor.
How to Book Tickets for Karthigai Deepam 2025 Online
To manage the enormous influx of pilgrims and ensure a smooth and safe darshan (holy viewing), the temple administration has established an online ticket booking system. This system is essential for accessing special darshan queues and certain temple areas during the peak festival days.
The official booking is expected to open on the temple's dedicated website. While the exact launch date for the 2025 booking window is yet to be announced, it typically opens several weeks or months in advance. Pilgrims must stay vigilant and monitor the official channels to secure their slots as soon as bookings commence, given the high demand.
The booking process generally involves the following steps:
- Visit the official Tiruvannamalai temple or Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) booking portal.
- Select the date of visit (December 7, 2025, or surrounding days for special rituals).
- Choose the type of darshan ticket or special entry pass required.
- Provide the necessary details of all pilgrims.
- Make the payment online through the available gateways.
- Download or save the electronic ticket/booking confirmation, which must be presented at the temple.
It is crucial to book only through the official website to avoid scams and overcharging. The temple authorities usually announce the exact URL and detailed booking guidelines closer to the date.
Planning Your Pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai
Beyond ticket booking, devotees should plan their journey meticulously. Tiruvannamalai, located about 185 kilometers from Chennai, witnesses an unprecedented surge in visitors during Karthigai Deepam. Accommodation in the town and nearby areas gets booked months in advance. Therefore, securing lodging and planning travel arrangements—whether by road or rail—should be done concurrently with ticket booking.
The local administration and police implement extensive crowd management measures, including vehicle restrictions and designated pedestrian pathways. Pilgrims are advised to:
- Carry valid ID proof along with the booking confirmation.
- Follow all security instructions and guidelines issued by the authorities.
- Be prepared for large crowds and potentially long waiting times.
- Respect the sanctity of the temple and the local environment.
The lighting of the Karthigai Maha Deepam is more than a ritual; it is a profound spiritual experience that symbolizes the dispelling of darkness by the light of consciousness. For millions, witnessing this event at the sacred Arunachala hill is a lifetime aspiration. With the date set for December 7, 2025, and the online ticket booking mechanism in place, devotees can now begin their preparations to be part of this magnificent celestial celebration in Tiruvannamalai.
