Over 50 lakh devotees expected to attend Karthigai Deepam festival in Tiruvannamalai: Minister Aadhav Arjuna

Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna said on Saturday that adequate civic and security arrangements should be in place as more than 50 lakh devotees are expected to visit Arunachaleswarar Temple for Karthigai Deepam festival that will be held between November 12 and 28.

Along with the Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh, Mr. Arjuna co-chaired a review meeting on the district administration’s preparedness for the festival at the Collectorate in the presence of Collector Vandhana Garg. “Adequate safety measures, especially for women, children and senior citizens should be given priority. Facilities for persons with disabilities should also be in place during the festival,” he said. 

As per estimates, around 45-50 lakh visitors are expected to participate in Maha Deepam (November 24) in the town. The temple car event will attract around eight lakh visitors. “On an average, a six-member police team led by a sub-inspector will be deployed for every 500 metres, especially during Maha Deepam”, an official told The Hindu. 

The Minister said that additional watch towers should be installed for better surveillance. The existing 750 CCTV cameras should be readied for the festival. To ensure the safety of visitors, centralised control rooms at the Collectorate and SP office should be set up to monitor CCTV cameras round-the-clock, he said.

Mr. Arjuna said that temporary bus termini should be set up at identified spots on the outskirts of the town. Shuttle services between the bus termini and town should also be operated for devotees, as no vehicle will be allowed to enter town, especially during Maha Deepam, to avoid traffic congestion, he said. Jute mats should be laid out for a distance of two km along the footpaths, to provide relief from the heat. Children at the festival should be provided with wrist bands to ensure their safety.

Among civic amenities, adequate water taps, washrooms, and streetlights should be in place. Health help desks should be set up along Girivalam path and in the town. Ambulances should be kept ready to meet any emergencies, the Minister said.

Earlier, Mr. Arjuna and Mr. Ramesh gave financial assistance to 3,088 beneficiaries to a tune of ₹8.13 crore. They also inaugurated infrastructure works, including school buildings, government health centres, and community halls worth ₹17.35 crore. As part of encouraging sportspersons from rural areas, Mr. Arjuna also opened a ₹19.90 lakh modern gymnasium at the restored District Sports Complex.