Festivals in Tamil Nadu in November 2025: Celebrating Tradition and Spirituality
Tamil Nadu, with its profound cultural heritage, is a land of many vibrant and ancient festivals that reflect the state’s deep connection to spirituality, art, and nature. November 2025 is a particularly exciting month for devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike, as it will witness the celebration of some of the most important festivals in the region. These festivals, which are deeply tied to Hindu traditions, offer an opportunity for people to come together in devotion, celebration, and community spirit.
Read More About Hindu Philosophy
In this detailed guide, we will explore the major festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu in November 2025, their significance, rituals, and how they are celebrated with enthusiasm across the state. Whether you are a devotee, a cultural enthusiast, or someone keen on learning about Tamil traditions, this guide will offer you valuable insights.
1. Deepavali (Diwali)
Date: November 12, 2025
Deepavali, or Diwali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Tamil Nadu. Known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, as described in the Ramayana. In Tamil Nadu, this festival is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, bursting of crackers, family reunions, and religious rituals.
Significance of Deepavali
The festival has both spiritual and cultural significance. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and is a time to seek her blessings for prosperity and happiness. It also celebrates the victory of good over evil, an important theme in Hindu mythology. Deepavali is celebrated not only in homes but also in temples, with rituals performed to invoke divine blessings.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Lakshmi Puja: On the evening of Deepavali, devotees perform Lakshmi Puja to invite wealth and prosperity into their homes. This puja is held after lighting lamps and decorating the house with rangolis (artistic designs made from colored powders or flower petals).
- Fireworks and Firecrackers: Lighting fireworks and bursting crackers are an essential part of the celebrations, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The night sky is filled with bright lights and loud noises.
- New Clothes and Feasting: Families wear new clothes to mark the occasion. A variety of sweets and special dishes like mysore pak, laddoos, and murukku are prepared and shared with friends and family.
- Visiting Temples: Temples across Tamil Nadu, including famous ones like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, host special prayers and rituals on Deepavali.
Where to Celebrate
- Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai: This temple celebrates Deepavali with a grand procession and special pujas to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam: A grand Deepavali festival is held at one of the largest and most revered temples in Tamil Nadu, with thousands of devotees attending to seek the blessings of Lord Ranganatha.
2. Karthigai Deepam
Date: November 22, 2025
Karthigai Deepam is another important festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. It is observed on the full moon day of the Tamil month Karthikai, which usually falls in November or December. This festival is particularly significant in Tamil Nadu, where it is considered one of the grandest festivals in honor of Lord Murugan.
Significance of Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam is believed to commemorate the day when Lord Murugan, riding his peacock, defeated the demon Surapadman. It is also associated with the burning of the ‘Karthigai Deepam’ at the Arupadai Veedu temples, a symbol of divine light. The festival is deeply symbolic of the triumph of good over evil.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Lighting of Lamps: One of the most defining rituals of Karthigai Deepam is the lighting of thousands of oil lamps, which are placed in homes, temples, and public spaces. The sight of the illuminated temples and streets is breathtaking.
- Murugan Worship: Devotees visit Murugan temples, offering prayers and performing rituals dedicated to the deity. The Karthigai Deepam puja involves the lighting of large lamps at the temples.
- The Karthigai Deepam at Thiruvannamalai: This is one of the most famous Karthigai Deepam celebrations, where a huge lamp is lit atop the hill of Thiruvannamalai, which can be seen from miles away. This event attracts lakhs of devotees who walk around the hill as a form of worship.
Where to Celebrate
- Thiruvannamalai: The Karthigai Deepam festival at Thiruvannamalai is a grand affair, with a massive bonfire lighting up the hilltop.
- Palani Murugan Temple: This is one of the most revered temples of Lord Murugan, and Karthigai Deepam here is celebrated with elaborate rituals.
3. Aadi Perukku (Aadi 18)
Date: November 18, 2025
Aadi Perukku, observed on the 18th day of the Tamil month Aadi, is a traditional festival in Tamil Nadu that celebrates the power of water, especially rivers, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. This festival is primarily celebrated by Tamil women and is a day to pray for the well-being of their families.
Significance of Aadi Perukku
The festival marks the beginning of the monsoon season, which is crucial for agricultural activities. People worship rivers, lakes, and water bodies, thanking them for sustaining life and ensuring a good harvest. It also marks the arrival of the Aadi month, which is considered inauspicious for weddings, and thus, Aadi Perukku brings a sense of renewal and hope.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Water Worship: Devotees offer prayers and flowers to rivers and water bodies. Women pray for the prosperity and well-being of their families and offer food and flowers to the river goddess.
- Picnics by Water: Families often gather by rivers or lakes, where they have picnics and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Traditional Songs: Devotional songs and hymns are sung by women to celebrate the power of water and to express gratitude for nature’s abundance.
Where to Celebrate
- Cauvery River Banks: Aadi Perukku is widely celebrated on the banks of the Cauvery River, where devotees gather in large numbers.
- Chennai and Coimbatore: Urban centers also celebrate Aadi Perukku, with many families offering prayers at local water bodies.
4. Saint Arunagirinathar’s Festival
Date: November 26-30, 2025
Saint Arunagirinathar, one of the most revered Tamil saints, is celebrated for his devotional hymns in praise of Lord Murugan. The festival dedicated to him is observed with great fervor in temples dedicated to Murugan.
Significance of Saint Arunagirinathar’s Festival
This festival honors the saint’s contribution to Tamil devotional literature, particularly his collection of hymns known as the “Thiruppugazh.” His hymns are still sung in temples during Murugan worship, making the festival a celebration of Tamil music and spirituality.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Recitation of Thiruppugazh: Devotees sing the Thiruppugazh hymns, either in temples or at home. These hymns praise Lord Murugan’s grace and power.
- Murugan Devotion: Rituals include prayers, processions, and offerings to Lord Murugan.
- Cultural Programs: Musical performances, including classical music concerts and devotional singing, are held in temples and cultural centers.
