Palani, a sacred pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu, is renowned not only for its ancient Murugan Temple but also for its vibrant spiritual festivals that draw millions of devotees each year. The festivals here are marked by deep devotion, colorful rituals, and a unique cultural charm that reflects Tamil traditions.
Thaipusam:
Thaipusam is the most significant and spiritually intense festival celebrated in Palani, Tamil Nadu. It occurs during the Tamil month of Thai (January–February), on the day when the Pushya (Poosam) star coincides with the full moon. The festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the presiding deity of the Palani Murugan Temple, and commemorates the day Goddess Parvati gave him the divine Vel (spear) to vanquish the demon Surapadman. A 10 day Festival (Brahmotsavam) wherein Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding) will be held on the day before Thaipusam. On Thaipusam, Therottam will be held. Lord Muthukumaraswamy will bless devotees in Thanga Guthirai Vahanam (Golden Horse), Periya Thanga Mayil Vahanam (Golden Peacock), Theppotsavam (Float Festival) during the 10 day festival. On the 7 th day there is “Thai Thaer” (wooden Car) and thousands of devotees participate in this. On the 7th day “Chinna Kumarar” goes around in His Golden Car.
Panguni Uthiram:
Panguni Uthiram is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in Palani, observed during the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April) on the day when the Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni) star aligns with the full moon. This sacred day is known for commemorating several celestial weddings in Hindu mythology—most notably, the divine marriage of Lord Murugan and Goddess Deivanai.
Agni Nakshatram Festival in Palani
Agni Nakshatram is one of the important festivals celebrated in Palani. It takes place during the last 7 days of the Tamil month Chitrai and the first 7 days of Vaikasi. During this time, devotees of Lord Muruga walk around the Palani Hill Temple on foot, early in the morning. This sacred walk is known as Girivalam.
Skanda Sashti in Palani – Celebrating the Triumph of Good Over Evil
Skanda Sashti is one of the most spiritually charged festivals dedicated to Lord Murugan, celebrated with great devotion in October–November (Tamil month of Aippasi). It marks the six-day battle that Lord Murugan fought against the demon Surapadman, ending in his victorious defeat of evil on the final day, known as Soorasamharam. On this day only (once in a year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons, ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won by the Lord.
In Palani, which is one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan, Skanda Sashti is celebrated with deep religious fervor, attracting thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu and beyond. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider that this will offset all their sins.
Thirukarthigai in Palani – The Festival of Lights for Lord Murugan
Thirukarthigai, often referred to as the “Festival of Lights of Tamil Nadu,” is an ancient and sacred festival celebrated with great devotion in Palani, one of the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan. The festival occurs in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December) on the day when the Karthigai star aligns with the full moon.
It is deeply rooted in Tamil Saivite tradition, as mentioned by the saint Thirugnanasambandar, who called it the “ancient Karthigai day,” highlighting its age-old spiritual significance.
