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The most important festival for the town, is celebrated during the months of Nov/Dec (full moon day of the Tamil month, Karthigai). The most important event of the festival is lighting a "Deepam" (a large lamp made with several litres of ghee and a several-meter-long cotton wick) at 6PM on the full moon day of Karthigai month. The light can be seen from several towns/villages within a 30 km diameter. Millions visit the town on the day to do "girivalam" and "climb" the mountain. The town literally lights up with fireworks all over. The festival begins 10 days before and concludes 3 days after the full moon day. The "deepam" burns for at least a week. Television and radio channels in Tamil Nadu broadcast the event live. Buses operate to the town from every corner of the state and from major towns in neighboring states.