The festival opened on December 19 with the traditional Thirunedunthandagam recitals, setting the stage for the Pagal Pathu and Ra Pathu festivities. The first phase, known as Pagal Pathu, focuses on daytime rituals and spiritual observances, with devotees participating in morning prayers, processions, and devotional chants that honor Lord Ranganatha.
Following the Pagal Pathu, the Ra Pathu celebrations take over during the evening and night, featuring extended temple rituals, Vedic recitations, and cultural performances that continue after sunset until dawn. Together, Pagal Pathu and Ra Pathu represent the complete spiritual rhythm of the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, emphasizing devotion both day and night.
The highlight of the festival is Vaikunta Ekadasi Day, observed this year on December 30, 2025, when the sacred Paramapada Vaasal (Sorga Vaasal) — believed to be the heavenly gateway — is ceremonially opened in the early morning at around 5:45 AM. Devotees believe passing through this gate on Vaikunta Ekadasi brings spiritual liberation.
Throughout the festival, Pagal Pathu and Ra Pathu continue to be the focal points of devotion and culture, with thousands attending daily to seek divine blessings and experience the centuries-old traditions upheld by temple priests and the Sri Vaishnavite community.
Temple officials have put in place crowd-management and safety arrangements to ensure smooth darshan and experiences for devotees, making this year’s celebrations one of the most anticipated spiritual events of the season.
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