Offerings, fire pot processions and preparation of sweet Pongal marked the commencement of annual Chithirai festival at Gowmariamman Temple at Veerapandi near here on Tuesday.
Goddess Gowmariamman was taken in a floral palanquin to the temple from Veerapandi town in the morning. Later, special pujas were performed to the main deity. Thousands of devotees thronged the temple since morning.
Several pilgrims took bath in Mullai-Periyar river as the flow was good, thanks to the release of 200 cusecs of water from Mullaperiyar dam. The PWD has been discharging 50 cusecs in addition to the regular discharge of 150 cusecs. The police said that the crowd was heavy on the first day itself. More women police were deployed to regulate women devotees.
Drinking water and toilet facilities had been arranged on the temple campus and two medical teams deputed to attend to emergency cases.
Traffic diversion
Traffic was closed on Theni-Kumili highway and also on the bypass near the temple to ensure pilgrims’ safety. All vehicles proceeding to Cumbum and Kumuli from Theni are diverted at Uppukottai pass. They have to pass through Kuchanur to reach Theni-Kumuli highway at Chinnamanur. On the return journey, all vehicles proceeding to Theni from Kumuli are diverted at Upparpatti pass to reach Theni bus stand after crossing Thappugundu, Thadicherry and Koduvilarpatti.
The new bypass has been converted into a parking lot and is also used for preparing food to pilgrims. Special buses are being operated to the temple from Tuesday.
All buses were stopped on the road for passengers to get down as the temporary bus stand was marooned owing to heavy rain on Monday night. Veerapandi received 76 mm rainfall. Pumping stagnated water and covering the floor with soil were on. Holy car procession will take place on Friday.
The Public Relations Department has set up a photo expo on the campus to propagate government’s achievements.
