Tiruvannamalai Collector reviews preparation ahead of Deepam festival

Tiruvannamalai District Collector D Bhaskara Pandian conducted a consultation meeting with department officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the Karthikai Deepam, Kudamuzhaku, and Margazhi month birth celebrations. The meeting was held at the Kalasapakkam circle near the Parvathamalai foothills and presided over by Kalasapakkam Assembly Member BST Saravanan.
The annual Tirukarthikai Deepam and Margazhi Month Birth Festival are celebrated at the Arulmigu Karaikandeeswarar and Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Parvathamalai, Kalasapakkam, Tiruvannamalai district. Devotees traditionally climb the hill, which has a circumference of 25 kilometers, as part of the festivities. The meeting focused on providing essential facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, and safety for the attendees.
Key festival dates include the Karthika Deepam festival on December 13, the Kudamuzhaku festival on December 15, and the Margazhi Month Birth Festival on December 16. 
With a significant number of devotees expected, the Collector instructed the police and forest department to ensure strong security at the Arulmigu Karaikandeeswarar Temple, the Parvathamalai foothills, the Giriwala path, the climbing route, and the hill shrine.
The Rural Development and Local Government Department were tasked with installing electric lights, arranging sanitation works, and ensuring drinking water availability. 
Temporary toilet facilities were to be set up along the Giriwala path and Parvathamalai, with sanitary works and medical camps to be provided by the Health Department.
The Electricity Department was directed to prepare for potential power outages, and the Fire Department was instructed to keep necessary equipment ready. The Transport Department was asked to arrange additional bus services from Tiruvannamalai, Polur, and Sengam. All departmental officers were urged to work in coordination to provide seamless arrangements for the devotees.
Officials who attended the meeting included District Revenue Officer Iram Pradeepan, District Rural Development Agency Program Director Dr. Mani, Arani Revenue Commissioner Balasubramanian, Kalasapakkam District Collector Rajeswari, Arunakirimangalam Panchayat Council President Vidya Prasanna, Assistant Commissioner of Hindu Religious Welfare Department Jyothilakshmi, Executive Officer Vasanthi, local government representatives, and various departmental officers.