Ahead of ‘Chitra Pournami’ on April 29, the district administration has banned the use of camphor and climbing up the Arunachala Hill at Tiruvannamalai.
Around 15 lakh to 20 lakh devotees are expected to visit Tiruvannamalai to perform ‘girivalam’ and visit the Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple for ‘Chitra Pournami’. A total of 2,800 government buses will be operated for the devotees, according to Collector K.S. Kandasamy.
The Collector convened a meeting to discuss the arrangements being put in place for the event.
According to a press release, arrangements are being made to provide adequate drinking water to devotees as the mercury level is soaring. Special medical camps will be organised at 12 places through the Health Department at the temple and the ‘girivalam’ path. Three battery-operated vehicles for elderly persons and wheel chairs for differently-abled would be arranged.
A total of 2,500 police personnel will be deployed on security to ensure the safety of devotees. Nine temporary bus stands would be set up. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation will deploy 2,800 special for 7,800 trips. Fourteen trains will be operated from various parts of Tamil Nadu to Tiruvannamalai. Free bathing facility is being arranged at 42 places. Devotees can use the public toilets on the ‘girivalam’ path for free. Action will be taken if devotees are charged to use the facility.
Auto fare
Seven places have been earmarked for offering ‘annadhanam’. The district administration has fixed fare for auto rickshaws.
According to a press release, a fare of ₹20 per person has been fixed for the following routes: from temporary bus stand at Athiyandal to Government Arts College ground, from the temporary bus stand at Athiyandal to Angalamman Koil and from Tirukoilur Road to Athiyandal.
A fare of ₹15 per person has been fixed for routes from the temporary bus stand at Vettavalam to temporary bus stand at Tirukoilur, from the temporary bus stand at Tirukoilur to Angalamman Koil, from Manalur Pettai road to Angalamman Koil, from Government Arts College to Angalamman Koil, from the temporary bus stand on Tindivanam Road to Thiruvalluvar statue, from the temporary bus on Tindivanam Road to Gandhi Nagar Bypass road sixth cross street, from Nallavanpalayam to Angalaparameswari Koil and from Pachiamman Koil to Krishna Lodge. The fare will apply only for Chitra Pournami 2018.
Free bus services have been arranged for the benefit of devotees. The buses will be operated from the temporary bus stands to the Girivalam path, the release said.
