Chennai: The administration has made elaborate arrangements to observe the annual Karthikai Deepam, festival of lights, on December 10 (Tuesday) in Tiruvannamalai. More than 25 lakh devotees from various States and from Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are expected to throng the temple town to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. The Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar temple and all the roads are being spruced up in the temple town. Karthikai Deepam is observed on the day when the moon is in conjunction with the constellation Karthigai and Pournami.
District Collector K.S.Kandasamy has been working round the clock to conduct the event in a smooth and peaceful manner. Maha Deepam will be lit at around 6 p.m. at the top of the 2,668 ft high holy Arunachaleswarar mountain, using nearly 3,500 kg of ghee. The holy flame will be visible around the Holy Mountain in a radius of 35 km while lakhs of devotees will perform the 16-km Girivalam.
The collector has organised a public hearing on November 30 seeking the cooperation of the people, traders and devotees. The mega festival commenced with 17-day long utsavamat Sri Durgaiamman on November 28 and brahmotsavam is being observed from December 1 to 10. The Maha Deepam will be performed on December 10. The 17-day long festival will come to an end on December 14.
The district administration is organising the event with assistance of revenue department, HR&CE, Police, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service personnel, Health department, Tangedco, PWD, Municipalities, Forest Department, Agriculture Department, Veterinary Department, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Department of Education, TNPCB, Food and Consumer Protection Department.
The administration has declared December 10 as local holiday in view of the festival. Collector K.S.Kandasamy has made arrangements to set up 15 makeshift bus stands and 90 car-parking facilities for the benefit of devotees. TNSTC will operate 2,600 special buses and Southern Railway will operate 36 special trains from various places in State. TNSTC will operate special buses from December 9 to December 12. Basic civic facilities including water and toilets are being arranged. The administration is also setting up canteens, ambulances, medical teams, cloak room and spots to rest in various places.
Thiruvannamalai SP, M.R.Sibi Chakravarthi said more than 8,000 police will provide security cover on the occasion of Karthigai Deepam. Only 2,600 devotees are allowed to climb Sri Annamalaiyar hill from 6 a.m. on December 10. A round the clock control room will function from Sunday to Wednesday and public can contact 7695 800 650 to lodge any complaint through WhatsApp.
