Karthigai Deepam is one of the most important and largely attended festivals of India. People pour into Tiruvannamalai by the thousands during the ten-day festival by every available means of transport.
The idol of Lord Arunachaleswara along with those of other deities is taken out in procession morning and evening on all the days. The images are adorned with choice garlands of big size and special ornaments made of gold and precious stones.
The lighting of the deepam (cauldron) on top of the Hill at the time of sunset on the tenth day marks the finale of the festival. To see the deepam is a thrilling experience. Everyone’s attention is riveted to the top of the Hill even before sunset in order to catch the first sight of it.
Following the tradition in vogue since the days of Bhagavan a small cauldron is lit at the Ashram at the moment of seeing the first glimmer of the deepam on the Hill. Devotees gather round a picture of Bhagavan installed on a chair, facing the Hill and chant Aksharamanamalai. Many devotees go round the Hill after dinner.
This year too the Ashram attracted huge crowds and the celebration was on the usual lines.
