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Karthigai Deepam Festival 2024 Celebration in Tiruvannamalai

Introduction

The Karthigai Deepam Festival is one of the most significant and revered festivals in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the sacred town of Tiruvannamalai. This festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. The most awaited event of the festival is the Maha Deepam, which is lit on top of the Annamalai Hills, a breathtaking sight that draws thousands of devotees each year.

Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date and Timings

This year, the Karthigai Deepam will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, 2024. The Karthika Nakshatram timings are:

• Start Time: December 13, 7:50 AM
• End Time: December 14, 5:47 AM

The festival officially begins with the flag hoisting ceremony on December 4, 2024, and concludes on December 17, 2024. Key events such as the Maha Ratham (Grand Chariot Procession) will be held on December 10, and the Bharani Deepam will be lit on the morning of December 13. The Maha Deepam, lit on the Annamalai Hills in the evening, marks the climax of the festival.

Key Rituals of the Karthigai Deepam

1. Bharani Deepam: The festival begins at dawn with the lighting of the Bharani Deepam inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple at around 4:00 AM. This sacred flame represents the eternal light of Lord Shiva.
2. Maha Deepam: The Maha Deepam, lit on the summit of Annamalai Hills at around 6:00 PM, is the highlight of the festival. Devotees from all over gather to witness this divine light, which symbolizes the presence of Lord Shiva.
3. Theerthavari Festival: Held in the afternoon at the Brahma Theertha Kulam, this ritual involves the sacred bath of Lord Subramaniyar and is an important part of the festival.
4. Lord Panchamoorthigal and Arthanareeswarar Darshan: Devotees can witness the special alankaram (decoration) of Lord Panchamoorthigal and Lord Arthanareeswarar during the festival, which adds to the spiritual fervor.

Celebration and Traditions of Karthigai Deepam

The Karthigai Deepam is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, called agals, in homes and temples. This symbolizes the removal of darkness and the arrival of divine light. Houses are decorated with beautiful Kolams (Rangoli), and special pujas are performed with offerings to the gods. Many devotees observe fasting throughout the day and break their fast after evening prayers.

In Tiruvannamalai, the lighting of the Maha Deepam on the Annamalai Hills is a grand event. After the Maha Deepam is lit, people light oil lamps in their homes as a sign of receiving Lord Shiva's blessings.

Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam 2024 Attendance

• Bharani Deepam: 7,500 devotees will be allowed inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple to witness the Bharani Deepam.
• Maha Deepam: Around 11,500 devotees can view the Maha Deepam from the temple area, while 2,000 will be permitted to climb the hill to witness the lighting of the Maha Deepam at the summit.

Chennai to Tiruvannamalai One-Day Tour Packages

If you’re planning to attend the Karthigai Deepam Celebrate in Tiruvannamalai, we offer convenient Chennai to Tiruvannamalai car packages for a comfortable journey. Here are our one-day Tiruvannamalai tour packages:

• Etios / Swift Dzire – ₹7,500 (1-4 persons)
• Ertiga / Innova – ₹9,500 (4-7 persons)
• Innova Crysta – ₹10,500 (4-7 persons)
• Tempo Traveller – ₹11,500 (8-12 persons)

Our Chennai to Tiruvannamalai car packages include pickup and drop-off services, experienced drivers familiar with the festival routes, and safe travel options for families and groups. Book your Chennai to Tiruvannamalai car package now to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. These one-day Tiruvannamalai tour packages are designed for convenience and affordability, allowing you to fully enjoy the spiritual experience of the festival.

Government Awareness: Preventing Kids from Going Missing at Festivals

During large festivals like Karthigai Deepam, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the risk of children getting lost increases. To prevent such incidents, the government has introduced an awareness program that promotes safety for children at public events.

Key Safety Measures:

• ID Tags for Children: As part of the safety measures, children attending the festival are required to wear an ID tag that includes the child’s name, parent’s name, and mobile number. This allows easy identification in case a child gets lost in the crowd.
• Parent-Child Supervision: Parents are advised to always keep their children close and avoid getting separated in busy areas. It is recommended that families designate a meeting spot in case someone is separated.

Conclusion

The Karthigai Deepam Festival in Tiruvannamalai is a powerful spiritual experience that attracts thousands of devotees each year. The lighting of the Maha Deepam on the Annamalai Hills is a divine symbol of light defeating darkness. If you're planning to attend, our one-day Tiruvannamalai tour packages from Chennai provide a comfortable and stress-free way to enjoy this significant event. Additionally, the safety of children is a priority, and new government policies ensure that families can participate in the festival with peace of mind.

For bookings and inquiries, contact us at:

• Phone: +91-9787747750, +91-9787747751
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