2026

Festivals

Brahmotsavam

Brahmotsavam is one of the most grand and divine festivals celebrated in many famous temples of South India, especially in places like Kanchipuram. This festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva depending on the temple tradition. It usually lasts for several days with daily rituals, special poojas, and colorful decorations that fill the temple with spiritual energy.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Vishnu, observed predominantly in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. It marks the opening of the “Vaikunta Dwaram,” symbolizing the gate to Vaikunta, and is celebrated with grand rituals in Vishnu temples, especially at Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

Festivals

Panguni Uthiram

The Panguni Uthiram is one of the important spiritual celebrations in Kanchipuram, celebrated with great devotion and traditional rituals. During this festival, temples across the city are beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and colorful arrangements. Devotees gather in large numbers to participate in special poojas, processions, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. The festival atmosphere becomes vibrant with devotional songs, cultural activities, and spiritual gatherings. Many temples organize grand chariot processions where beautifully decorated idols are taken around the streets for devotees to receive blessings. Panguni Uthiram reflects the deep cultural heritage, faith, and religious importance of Kanchipuram.

Festivals

Athi Varadar festival

The Athi Varadar Festival is one of the most famous spiritual celebrations in Kanchipuram. Held once every 40 years at the sacred Varadharaja Perumal Temple, the festival attracts millions of devotees from across India. During this grand event, the idol of Lord Athi Varadar, carved from sacred fig wood, is brought out from the temple tank and displayed for worship for 48 days. The atmosphere in Kanchipuram becomes vibrant with devotional songs, prayers, colorful decorations, and cultural activities. Pilgrims wait for hours to receive blessings and witness this rare spiritual occasion. The festival beautifully reflects the rich heritage, faith, and traditions of Kanchipuram.

Festivals

Car festival held at Sri Devarajaswamy temple in Kancheepuram

The Car Festival (Ther Thiruvizha) held at Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple is one of the most grand and spiritually significant celebrations in Kanchipuram. During this festival, the beautifully decorated temple chariot carrying Lord Varadharaja Perumal is taken through the streets of the temple town with great devotion and enthusiasm. Thousands of devotees gather to pull the massive wooden chariot, chanting prayers and singing bhajans in praise of the deity. The entire town comes alive with religious energy, cultural music, and festive decorations. Special rituals and pujas are performed before the procession begins, adding divine importance to the event. Streets around the temple are filled with flowers, lights, and traditional stalls. This festival symbolizes unity, devotion, and the strong cultural heritage of the region. It is one of the most awaited events in Kanchipuram’s temple calendar. The atmosphere is filled with spiritual joy and divine blessings. Overall, the Car Festival is a powerful expression of faith and tradition.