The district administration is gearing up for the upcoming Chitra Poornima festival in Tiruvannamalai with more civic amenities for the devotees, who are visiting ‘Girivalam’ on April 15-16.
Officials said the festival was not organized for the last two years due to the pandemic. With the easing of lockdown restrictions, the district administration has decided to organize the festival expecting around 15 lakh devotees. In view of such a huge crowd, to prepare the temple town for the event, Collector B. A review meeting was held under the leadership of Murugesh.
The district administration will set up medical camps along the Girivalam path to attend to emergency cases. More than 20 free toilets and three bathrooms will be provided on the route. Pure water taps, round the clock power supply with two heavy duty generators as backup, street lights on the way and special bus services are among other amenities.
With rising temperatures, officials said the shelter and floors on the 14-km-Girivalam path would be watered. In addition, three free kiosks will be set up for the devotees. Free buttermilk, water bottles, soft coconut and fresh juice will be given to the devotees for darshan in the temple town. ‘Annadanam’ has been allowed in Girivalam path without using plastic items for this purpose. Devotees are also encouraged to use cloth bags during their journey.
A mass cleaning drive will be carried out on Girivalam Path by Safai Karamcharis, residents and volunteers at 7 am on Sunday. On the occasion of Chitra Purnima, the doors of Arunachaleshwar temple will be opened between 4 am and 11 pm. Officials said letters from VVIPs would not be allowed for special VIP darshan. However, devotees can buy ₹50 per person for special darshan.