Thaipusam at Palani, 2027 Date, Padayatra and Kavadi

What happens

1. Devotees take a vow of abstinence first, then walk barefoot to Palani from distant towns and villages.
2. Many walk at night to avoid the daytime heat. In January 2026 The Hindu reported walkers from Madurai, Dindigul, Theni and Sivaganga, with volunteers handing out food and water.
3. Some carry a kavadi, a decorated mount, in memory of Idumban, who is said to have carried the hills to Palani. Others carry pots of holy water (theertha kavadi) or milk (paal kavadi) for the abhishekam.
4. On arrival, pilgrims bathe in the Shanmuga River or Idumban Kulam, then visit the Thiru Avinankudi temple at the foot and the hill temple.
5. The ten-day festival opens with a flag hoisting. In 2026 the Thirukalyanam fell the day before Thaipusam and the chariot procession on Thaipusam day.

Sources: dindigul.nic.in, hinduismtoday.com, dailythanthi.com · checked 30 Oct 2026

Where families go

• 

  Arulmigu Palani Murugan Temple

  Palani

  Thaipusam is the temple's most important festival, celebrated over ten days.

  Timings and guide
• 

  Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

  Tiruchendur

  The seaside Murugan temple also marks Thaipusam, and its official timetable lists special festival-day hours.

  Timings and guide

When to go

Thaipusam falls on the full-moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, between mid-January and mid-February. Walkers are on the roads in the days before it.

Sources: dindigul.nic.in, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026

Before you go

• SafetyIf you walk, keep to the roadside in a group, carry water and rest in the heat of the day. Lakhs of devotees reach Palani, and the foothills fill up.
• Good to knowThe temple opens earlier and closes later on all ten festival days. Check the temple page for the times.

• OfficialPalani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, official HR&CE site
• OfficialDindigul district, Palani temple page

Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.

Sources: dtnext.in, palanimurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in · checked 30 Oct 2026