The world-famous Karthigai Deepam festival at the Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple will begin on November 24 with the traditional flag hoisting. The 10-day grand festival will conclude with the Maha Deepam on December 3, 2025.
Ahead of the celebrations, a high-level review meeting was held at the Tiruvannamalai Collectorate, chaired by Public Works Department Minister E.V. Velu and Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu. Senior officials including Deputy Speaker K. Pitchandi, Collector Tarpagaraj, HR&CE Secretary Manivasagam, Police officials and MLAs took part.
Key Arrangements for Devotees
- 40 lakh devotees expected to attend
- 4,764 special buses operating with 11,293 trips
- 24 temporary bus terminals to manage the crowd
- Special trains to be operated
- 15,000 police personnel deployed for security
- 130 parking zones to accommodate 20,000 cars
- 90 medical teams and 45 ambulances on standby
- Drinking water, sanitation and transportation facilities upgraded
Safety Measures on Girivalam (Hill Climb)
Last year, a landslide prevented devotees from climbing the Annamalai hills. Due to current rainfall, the decision to allow hill climbing this year will be announced after further evaluation, officials said.