Massive preparations for Thirukarthigai Deepam pilgrimage at Tiruvannamalai

Ahead of the Thirukarthigai Mahadeepam festival on December 3, Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports Minister E.V. Velu on Monday conducted an extensive inspection around the Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple. District Collector K. Tharpagaraj, I.A.S., accompanied the Minister during the review.
The Minister said lakhs of devotees from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states are expected to arrive in Tiruvannamalai for the Deepam festival. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage, the district administration, corporation, rural development and transport departments have jointly arranged a wide range of facilities.
A total of 24 temporary bus stands and 130 parking areas have been set up. This year, 4,764 special buses will operate, which is 20% more than last year. In addition, 40 spare buses have been kept ready to handle sudden increases in crowd movement. About 220 private and school buses have been arranged to provide free transport for devotees, while 200 mini buses will operate at a concessional fare of ₹10. More than 500 buses from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka are also expected to bring pilgrims to the town.
Basic amenities have been strengthened for the convenience of the public. The Corporation has arranged 51 drinking water centres, while the Highways Department has installed 14 purified water points. A total of 720 temporary toilets have been set up, along with toilet facilities at 38 key locations. Sixty-one help centres and 454 public announcement systems have also been put in place.
Medical and safety arrangements have been intensified. Ninety-seven medical teams have been deployed within the temple complex and along the Girivalam Path. A fleet of 45 ‘108’ ambulances and five bike ambulances has been stationed for emergency response. Adequate police force has been deployed for crowd control and public safety. AI-enabled surveillance cameras and 24 watchtowers have been installed for continuous monitoring.
To help devotees easily access information, the district administration has launched a new Android app titled ‘Karthigai Deepam’. The app provides details about bus stands, car parks, emergency helplines, medical centres, toilets, drinking water centres and other essential services.
Tiruvannamalai Corporation Mayor Nirmala Velmaran, Commissioner Selva Balaji, District Supply Officer Sathish Kumar, Highways Engineer Gnanavel and several other officials accompanied the Minister during the inspection.
The district administration said that all arrangements have been completed and Tiruvannamalai is fully prepared to host this year’s Deepam festival in a safe, orderly and grand
manner.