More amenities to be provided during Chitra Pournami in Tiruvannamalai

15 lakh people are expected to take part in the annual festival

The district administration is gearing up for the upcoming Chitra Pournami festival in Tiruvannamalai with more civic amenities for devotees, who will be going on ‘girivalam’ on April 15-16.

Officials said the festival was not held for the past two years due to the pandemic. With the easing of lockdown restrictions , the district administration has decided to organise the festival, expecting around 15 lakh devotees. In view of such a huge crowd, a review meeting led by Collector B. Murugesh was held to prepare the temple town for the event.

The district administration would set up medical camps to attend emergency cases along the girivalam path. Over 20 free toilets and three bathrooms would be made available on the pathway. Purified water taps, round-the-clock power supply with two heavy duty generators as a backup, street lights along the pathway and special bus services are among the other facilities.

With the soaring temperature, officials said shelters and watering of the floor on the 14-km-girivalam path would be done. Further, three free kiosks would be set up for devotees. Devotees would be given free buttermilk, water bottles, tender coconuts and fresh juices on their way to darshan in the temple town. ‘Annadanam’ has been allowed in the girivalam path without using plastic items for the purpose. Devotees are also encouraged to use cloth bags during their visit.

  A mass cleaning drive on the girivalam path would be done by sanitary staff, residents and volunteers at 7 a.m on Sunday. The Arunachaleswara temple would be opened between 4 a.m and 11 p.m for Chitra Pournami. Officials said letters from VVIPs for special VIP darshan would not be allowed. However, devotees can buy ₹50 per person for special darshan.