Chhath Puja 2026 in Tirupati: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate
TL;DR
Tirupati's festival calendar runs from October through November 2026 with twenty observances — Navratri and Dussehra in October, Diwali and Bhai Dooj in November, and Chhath Puja on November 15. The city's temples, including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and Kapila Theertham, anchor these celebrations.
Tirupati's Festival Season: October–November 2026
Tirupati is one of India's most sacred pilgrimage cities, home to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple — one of the most visited temples in the world. The city's devotional calendar is active through the entire year, but October and November bring an especially concentrated sequence of observances. Here is what the full season holds.
October 10 — Amavasya The new moon day opens the fortnight before Navratri. Kapila Theertham on Tirumala Bypass Road and the city's other temples mark Amavasya with Pitru Tarpan programs and charitable giving opportunities.
October 11 — Navratri Begins The nine-night festival honoring Goddess Durga begins. Tirupati's temples — including the Prasanna Venkateswara Temple and the Vardaraja Swamy Temple on K.T. Road — hold daily aarti programs through the nine nights.
October 19 — Durga Ashtami The eighth night of Navratri is Durga Ashtami. Temple attendance peaks on this evening. Kanya puja is observed across the city's neighborhoods.
October 20 — Dussehra / Vijayadashami Dussehra in Tirupati carries special significance given the city's pilgrimage heritage. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple on the hill conducts special darshan programs on Vijayadashami. ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir on Hare Krishna Road also marks the day with cultural programs.
October 22, 24 — Ekadashi and Pradosh Vrat Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting on October 22 is widely observed in Tirupati, given the city's deep Vaishnava tradition. Pradosh Vrat on October 24 brings Shiva temple programs across the city.
October 26 — Purnima Full moon observances include temple programs and home Satyanarayan Katha ceremonies.
October 29 — Karva Chauth and Sankashti Chaturthi Karva Chauth and Sankashti Chaturthi both fall on October 29. Ganesha temples in Tirupati hold special Sankashti aartis, and many families observe Karva Chauth through the evening moonrise.
Diwali Season: November 2026
November 6 — Dhanteras 2026 The festival season's economic observance — the auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and new items — falls on November 6.
November 7 — Pradosh Vrat
November 8 — Diwali 2026 Diwali, the Festival of Lights, falls on November 8. The Tirumala hills and Tirupati city are illuminated, and the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Inner Complex holds special darshan programs.
November 9 — Amavasya
November 11 — Bhai Dooj 2026 The sibling celebration after Diwali falls on November 11.
November 15 — Chhath Puja 2026 Chhath Puja, the solar observance with roots in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, falls on November 15. Tirupati's large population of North Indian pilgrims and residents means Chhath is observed here with notable participation. The two-day ritual involves fasting, offerings to the setting sun, and predawn offerings to the rising sun at water bodies — typically the Kapila Theertham or the city's other sacred water sources.
Tirupati's Temples
The observance of these festivals is anchored by several of Tirupati's temples: Tirumala Venkateswara Temple on the hill, Kapila Theertham on Tirumala Bypass Road, Prasanna Venkateswara Temple, Vardaraja Swamy Temple on K.T. Road, ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir on Hare Krishna Road, and the Ramula vari Temple on Chinna Bazaar Street.
Insider Tip
Diwali and the days leading up to Chhath Puja see Tirupati's pilgrimage traffic combine with festival visitors. Accommodation books out weeks in advance during Diwali week. If you are planning a pilgrimage around November 8–15, book your stay as early as possible.
FAQ
Where is Chhath Puja observed in Tirupati? Chhath Puja observances in Tirupati typically take place at water bodies such as the Kapila Theertham on Tirumala Bypass Road, where the solar offerings (arghya) can be made at sunrise and sunset.
Does the Tirumala Temple conduct special programs on Diwali? Yes. The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala holds special darshan programs and illumination events on Diwali. Crowds are significantly higher than a normal day — advance booking of darshan tokens is strongly recommended.
What is Bhai Dooj? Bhai Dooj is the festival of siblings celebrated two days after Diwali. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers and pray for their long life and prosperity.
Bottom Line
Tirupati's October–November 2026 season covers twenty observances from Navratri through Chhath Puja. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Kapila Theertham, and Vardaraja Swamy Temple anchor the city's devotional calendar through one of India's most concentrated festival sequences.