Quick answer: Tamil cinema's stars marked Deepavali 2026 (Sunday, 8 November) close to their fans and families. Rajinikanth stepped out of his Chennai home in traditional attire to greet fans despite the rain; Sivakarthikeyan offered prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai with his family, where he was shooting his film Seyon; Kamal Haasan sent wishes to people travelling home and to those who have made new places their home; and Dhanush and Karthi shared Deepavali greetings with fans.

Deepavali is one of the biggest festivals in Tamil Nadu, starting with the pre-dawn oil bath and new clothes, and Kollywood fans watch closely for their stars' festive moments. Here is what the stars did and shared this year, based on news-agency and media reports.

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Rajinikanth greets fans outside his Chennai home

Superstar Rajinikanth kept up one of Kollywood's best-loved Deepavali traditions: he stepped out of his Chennai residence in traditional attire, despite the rain, to greet the fans gathered outside and wish them a happy Deepavali.

Sivakarthikeyan prays at Meenakshi Amman Temple

Sivakarthikeyan visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai with his family on Deepavali day and offered prayers, ANI reported. He was in Madurai for the shooting of his upcoming film Seyon, said he was celebrating the festival at his in-laws' home there, and shared that about 70 per cent of the film has been shot.

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Kamal Haasan: wishes for those near and far

On 7 November, Kamal Haasan posted warm wishes "for a joyful Diwali to those who return to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends, and to those who have made their new homes their own and are thriving there." His words struck a chord with Tamil families who celebrate far from home, in Chennai, Bengaluru, Singapore, Dubai, London, Toronto or the USA.

Dhanush and Karthi

  • Dhanush posted a Deepavali message in Tamil; translated, it reads: "Heartfelt Deepavali wishes to everyone."
  • Karthi wished fans: "Dear Ones, May your world always shine brighter with happiness, success, and endless blessings!"
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Tamil Deepavali traditions

Tamil families keep Deepavali on the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi, with:

  • The Ganga snanam (oil bath) before sunrise, with nalangu and herbal oil.
  • New clothes, often blessed at the family shrine first.
  • Deepavali lehiyam (a digestive herbal paste), murukku, adhirasam and sweets.
  • Lamps and crackers, within Tamil Nadu's cracker hours.
  • For newly-weds, the special Thalai Deepavali at the bride's home.

See our Tamil Deepavali 2026: Thalai Deepavali and Ganga snanam guide and Diwali 2026 in Chennai.

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Frequently asked questions

How did Rajinikanth celebrate Deepavali 2026?

He stepped out of his Chennai home in traditional attire, despite the rain, to greet the fans gathered outside.

Which temple did Sivakarthikeyan visit on Deepavali 2026?

The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, with his family, while in the city shooting Seyon.

What was Kamal Haasan's Deepavali 2026 message?

He wished a joyful Diwali to those returning to their hometowns and to those who have made new homes their own and are thriving there.

Which Tamil stars shared Deepavali 2026 wishes?

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan, among others.

Sources