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Looking for a festival that’s divine, vibrant, and full of energy? The Aurbathimoovar Festival is just that! Often called God’s own festival, this grand celebration takes over Chennai, filling every street with devotion and excitement.

At the heart of it all is the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, where thousands gather to witness a breathtaking procession of 63 bronze idols of Nayanmars—the saints who dedicated their lives to Lord Shiva.

The festival’s roots trace back centuries, with legends woven into the very name of Mylapore, derived from "Mylia" (peacock)—as Goddess Parvati is believed to have performed penance here in that form.
With vibrant decorations, music, and an air of deep spirituality, this festival is more than just a tradition—it’s a spectacular experience of faith and celebration!

Aurbathimoovar Festival 2026 Date and Schedule

The Aurbathimoovar Festival will be celebrated from 23rd March to 1st April, 2026. During these days, Chennai’s Kapaleeshwarar Temple will come alive with grand processions, devotional music, and vibrant celebrations. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness the 63 Nayanmars’ idols being carried through the streets, creating a truly divine and festive atmosphere.

Here is the detailed schedule of events:

22 March 2026 - (Sunday)

• Morning: Grama Devatha Sri Kolavizhi Amman Vazhipadu; Mrithsangrihanam and Angurarpanam rituals.
• 9 PM: Sri Narthana Vinayagar Velli Mooshika Vahanam procession.

23 March 2026 - (Monday)

• 6:00 AM: Kodiyetra Mandapam Ezhuntharulal.
• Morning: Kodiyetram (Flag Hoisting).
• 10:00 PM: Ambal Mayil Vadivil Siva Pujai Kaatchi.

24 March 2026 - (Tuesday)

• 8:30 AM: Suriya Vattam.
• 9:00 PM: Chandira Vattam.

25 March 2026 - (Wednesday)

• 6:00 AM: Adhikara Nandi procession.
• 9:00 PM: Bhootan and Bhutanki Vahanam.

26 March 2026 - (Thursday)

• 8:30 AM: Purushamirugam and Singam Vahanam.
• 9:00 PM: Nagam and Kamadhenu Vahanam.

27 March 2026 - (Friday)

• 8:30 AM: Sowdal Vimanam.
• 10:30 PM: Vellividai Vahanam (Silver Rishaba Vahanam).

28 March 2026 - (Saturday)

• Morning: Pallakku Vizha.
• 9:00 PM: Yaanai Vahanam.

29 March 2026 - (Sunday)

• 7:00 AM: Therottam (Chariot Festival).
• Evening: Therilirinthu Thirukovil Ezhuntharural.

30 March 2026 - (Monday)

• 2:45 PM: Arupathu Moovar Thiruvizha (Procession of the 63 Nayanmars).
• Night: Sri Chandrasekarar Paar Vettai Vizha.

31 March 2026 - (Tuesday)

• Morning: Pancha Moorthi Vizha.
• 6:00 PM: Pikshadanar (Iraivan Iravalar Kolam).

1 April 2026 - ( Wednesday)

• Morning: Thirukootha Peruman (Shri Natarajar) Thirukatchi.
• 6:00 PM: Punnai Marathadiyil Mayil Uruvil Siva Poojai.
• 7:30 PM: Thirukalyanam (Divine Marriage Ceremony).
• Afterwards: Kodiyirakkam (Flag Lowering) and Chandikeshvarar Thiruvizha.

2 April 2026 - (Thursday )

• Morning: Uma Maheshwarar Darisanam.
• Evening: Pandam Parivizha.

Vidaiyatri Vizha: will be held for 10 days from 3rd April (Friday) to 12th April 2025 (Sunday)

Mark your calendar and experience this once-a-year spiritual spectacle in all its glory!

Major Attractions and Main Events of Aurbathimoovar Festival

Main Events of the Mylapore Panguni Festival 2026:

1. Kodiyetram (Flag Hoisting)

   • Date: 23 March 2026
   • Time: Morning
   • Description: The festival officially begins with the hoisting of the temple flag, symbolizing the commencement of the festivities.

2. Adhikara Nandi Procession

   • Date: 25 March 2026
   • Time: 6:00 AM
   • Description: A significant procession where Lord Shiva is paraded on the Nandi (bull) vehicle, attracting numerous devotees.

3. Rishaba Vahanam Procession

   • Date: 27 March 2026
   • Time: Post-midnight (around 1:30 AM on April 8)
   • Description: A midnight procession featuring Lord Shiva on the Rishaba (bull) vehicle, drawing large crowds.

4. Therottam (Chariot Festival)

   • Date: 29 March 2026 
   • Time: 7:00 AM
   • Description: The grand chariot procession where the deities are taken around the streets of Mylapore in a beautifully decorated wooden chariot, pulled by devotees.

5. Arupathimoovar Festival

   • Date: 30 March 2026
   • Time: 3:30 PM
   • Description: A procession honoring the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints), considered the highlight of the festival, attracting devotees from various regions.

6. Thirukalyanam (Divine Marriage Ceremony)

   • Date: 1 April 2026
   • Time: 6:30 PM
   • Description: The concluding event of the festival, symbolizing the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

These events are integral to the Panguni Festival, each holding deep cultural and religious significance, and are celebrated with great fervor and devotion.

Major Attractions:

1. The Procession. The date of the festival is the time when these bronze statues see the world outside. All 63 idols are carried around the town for the public to see and be a part of the holy parade. The whole affair is made out to be very colourful as well. The locals offer fruits and flowers to express their devotion to the divine. 

2. Decorations, Decorations, Decorations. The whole place comes to life during the celebration of the holy festival. Houses, as well as streets, are liberally decorated with kolams (Rangoli).  The drawings are mostly made from chalk powder, rice flour, rock powder, or even synthetically coloured powders. 

3. Music and Dance. While folk music enriches the air of Mylapore all through during the Aurbathimoovar Festival, it’s Koothu and Kokkalikattai dances that paint the town red with energy and liveliness. A very special puppet show is also arranged called Thoippavai.

How to Reach for Aurbathimoovar Festival 2026

Capital of , Chennai is the major economic, educational, and cultural center of South India. Also counted among the top Indian cities visited by foreign tourists, it is located at a distance of 2,201, 347, 1,337, 1,683 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata respectively. Here’s how you can reach the city to attend the Aurbathimoovar Festival.

By Air. Chennai International Airport is the main airport serving the  city. Being one of the main four airports in India, it handled about 22 million passengers in the year 2018-19. It is expected to reach its peak at 40 million by 2026. Here is flight information if you’re planning to visit Chennai via air.

By Train. Although Chennai houses a number of railway stations, the major one is Chennai Central. It was previously named as Madras Central. It is also South India’s busiest railway station. Having the railway station’s building designed by George Harding, it is also one of the prime landmarks of the city. Here is your travel guide to reach Chennai via train.

1. Delhi - Board Tamil Nadu Exp from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
2. Mumbai - Board Chennai Mail from C Shivaji Mah T and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
3. Bengaluru - Board Shatabdi Exp from Bengaluru Cantt and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
4. Kolkata - Board Coromandal Exp from Howrah Jn and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl

By Road. If you happen to live near Chennai, then traveling by road is also a very suitable option. There are multiple of luxury and deluxe buses that run between Chennai and nearby places. From Mysore, the bus fares start from Rs.800; from Madurai, the bus fares start from Rs.600; from Nellore, it starts from Rs.500; from Kanchipuram, it’s Rs.500; and, from Tirupati, it starts from Rs.140.

If you have your own vehicle or you have a hired cab, you can take the following routes:

1. – 462 km via Chennai-Villupuram-Trichy-Kanyakumari Rd
2. Nellore - 175 km via NH16
3. – 76.1 km via Kanchipuram-Chennai Rd
4. - 166 km via NH32
5. - 135 km via Puttur Satyavedu Rd  

Conclusion

The Aurbathimoovar Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a journey into Chennai’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. From the grand processions to the deep-rooted traditions, every moment is filled with devotion and festivity.

Want to witness this divine spectacle? Adotrip, your trusted travel partner, is here to make your journey seamless. Book your trip now and be part of this mesmerizing festival!

Frequently Asked Questions About Aurbathimoovar Festival

Q1. What are the accommodation options near the festival venue?
A. Chennai offers a range of stays, from budget hotels and guesthouses near Mylapore to luxury hotels in central Chennai. Booking in advance with Adotrip is recommended due to high tourist influx during the festival.

Q2. Are there any local food specialties to try during the festival?
A.Try traditional South Indian delicacies like idli, dosa, vada, filter coffee, and Pongal at local eateries near Kapaleeshwarar Temple for an authentic culinary experience.

Q3. What other attractions can I visit near the festival?
A. Apart from the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, you can explore San Thome Basilica, Marina Beach, and the bustling streets of Mylapore known for their cultural heritage and shopping.

Q4. Is the festival suitable for families with children?
A. The festival is a family-friendly event with vibrant processions, cultural performances, and a spiritual atmosphere. Just ensure to keep an eye on young children in the crowds.

Q5. What are some essential travel tips for attending the festival?
A. Wear comfortable footwear, carry water, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas, and respect local customs. Arriving early helps secure a good viewing spot for the processions.