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Lakhs witness Karthigai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai

More than 8000 police personnel were posted to provide security.
THIRUVANNAMALAI: More than four lakh people from different parts of Tamil Nadu and other states, participated in the Thirukarthigai festival, the 10th day of the yearly festival of Sri Arunachaleswarar temple, which culminated.
In the lighting of the towering 'Maha Deepam' that shone with all brilliance atop the hill here on Wednesday evening. The temple gates were kept open from 3 am on Wednesday for pilgrims and devotees to have 'darshan' of the presiding deity, Sri Annamalaiyar along with his consort taken in procession, after lighting the 'Maha Bharani Deepam' inside the temple at 4.30 am near the dwajasthamba (flag-pole). The Temple's flag was hoisted ten day ago, to mark the commencement of the festival.
"Not much crowd was seen during the last eight days, but there was a heavy rush during the temple's car festival which took place on November 22," said a worker in the temple. But the crowd unmindful of the pouring rains, started swelling, since Monday night, which the Temple administration did not expect, added the worker.
More than 8000 police personnel were posted to provide security. The temple had also arranged LED lights round the Annamalai Hills, considering devotees circumambulate it on all full moon days.
This festival in the Tamil month of Karthigai falls on the full moon day. Mega-screens were installed for the convenience of the public to witness the festival events from different places in and around the temple and also at some temporary bus sheds. The arrangements had been helpful for the temple administration to avoid any untoward incidents like stampede.

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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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