Giri Pradakshina · Full Moon Calendar
Girivalam Dates 2026
Every Pournami (full moon) night this year, when pilgrims walk the sacred 14 km circumambulation of Arunachala hill — plus how far it is, how long it takes, and where to stay.
All 13 Pournami Girivalam dates in 2026
2026 has an extra lunar month (Adhik Maas), so there are 13 full-moon Girivalam nights instead of the usual 12. Dates follow the Tamil Nadu Panchang and may occasionally shift by a day depending on local moonrise — always confirm locally close to the date.
| # | Date | Day | Purnima name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 January 2026 | Saturday | Pausha Purnima | |
| 2 | 1 February 2026 | Sunday | Magha Purnima | |
| 3 | 3 March 2026 | Tuesday | Phalguna Purnima | |
| 4 | 1 April 2026 | Wednesday | Chaitra Purnima | |
| 5 | 1 May 2026 | Friday | Vaishakha Purnima | |
| 6 | 30 May 2026 | Saturday | Adhika Purnima | Extra month |
| 7 | 29 June 2026 | Monday | Jyeshtha Purnima | |
| 8 | 29 July 2026 | Wednesday | Ashadha Purnima | Guru Purnima |
| 9 | 27 August 2026 | Thursday | Shravana Purnima | Raksha Bandhan |
| 10 | 26 September 2026 | Saturday | Bhadrapada Purnima | |
| 11 | 25 October 2026 | Sunday | Ashwina Purnima | Sharad Purnima |
| 12 | 24 November 2026 | Tuesday | Kartika Purnima | Karthigai Deepam Mahadeepam night |
| 13 | 23 December 2026 | Wednesday | Margashirsha Purnima |
Dates based on the Tamil Nadu Panchang. Source cross-checked via DrikPanchang for Tamil Nadu locations. Times can shift by a day depending on region — confirm locally before you travel.
Karthigai Deepam 2026 falls on the same night as the November Pournami — 24 November 2026. The 10-day festival begins 15 November. Read our full Karthigai Deepam guide.
Staying for Girivalam? Ilayanar Home Stay is directly on the Girivalam Padhai, a 1-minute walk from the temple's eastern gopuram — the 14 km walk starts from our doorstep. Rooms fill months ahead for Pournami and Deepam nights — book early on WhatsApp.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the Girivalam dates in 2026?
There are 13 Pournami (full moon) Girivalam nights in 2026 because of an extra Adhik lunar month — see the full table above. The 24 November date coincides with Karthigai Deepam's Mahadeepam night.
What is the distance of Girivalam?
Girivalam is approximately 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) — a full circumambulation of Arunachala hill, walked clockwise, traditionally starting and ending at the eastern gopuram.
How long does Girivalam take to complete?
Most pilgrims complete the 14 km walk in 3 to 5 hours, including stops at the eight Ashta Lingam shrines.
Can Girivalam be walked on days other than Pournami?
Yes — Girivalam can be walked any day of the year and local devotees walk it daily. Pournami night is simply the most auspicious, drawing the largest crowds.
Where can I stay for Girivalam in Tiruvannamalai?
Ilayanar Home Stay sits directly on the Girivalam Padhai, a 1-minute walk from the eastern gopuram. Message us on +91 70107 65657 to book.
Start your Girivalam from our doorstep
Pure-veg Room Dining, free RO water, warm family welcome — directly on the Girivalam Padhai.