2013 Arunachala Deepam Festival Schedule

The poster below lists the dates of major functions that will be celebrated during this years 2013 Deepam Festival.

Major Functions of 2013 Deepam Festival

Yesterday I spent the evening at Arunachaleswarar Temple and while there noticed electricians and workers busy setting up the lights that will illuminate the Temple during the Deepam Festival. 

2012 Temple with Deepam Lights

Below are photographs from the 2012 Deepam Festival at Arunachala, to give readers an idea of the huge crowds and wonderful spectacle and spiritual experience of some of the festivities surrounding the Deepam Festival. 

Flag Hoisting 2012

Flag Hoisting Arunachaleswarar Temple, Deepam 2012

Silver Rishaba Vahanam, 2012 Deepam Festival

Silver Rishaba Vahanam outside Arunachaleswarar Temple, Deepam 2012

Huge Crowd evening of Rishaba Vahanam, outside Big Temple 2012

Pulling the Maharadham, Deepam 2012

Giant Wooden Chariot being pulled perimeter Big Temple, Deepam 2012

Priests Bharani Deepam, Arunachaleswarar Temple, 2012

Mahadeepam on top of Arunachala, Deepam Festival 2012

I don't wish to give off negative vibrations regarding the Deepam Festival at Arunachala, but to those who intend to visit Arunachala for Deepam this year (or Deepam in years to come) -- a word of warning. Be careful of your belongings as many thieves and pickpockets will also be visiting Arunachala for the Festival -- but in their case for an entirely different reason. Two years ago whilst pulling the Maharadham (on the ladies side) my shoulder bag was slit open from the back, and a lady thief tried to pull out my wallet. Luckily I kept all my valuables at home, thus nothing was taken. 

To have a wonderful Deepam experience PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF YOUR POSSESSIONS.