Chennai, April 14 (NationPress) Robust security measures have been established in preparation for the annual Chithirai car festival at the Arulmigu Mariamman Temple in Samayapuram, located near Tiruchi, which is set to occur on Tuesday.

Approximately 300,000 devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu are anticipated to attend this grand celebration, held during the Tamil month of Chithirai.

In light of the expected large attendance, the Tiruchi Rural Police have devised a detailed security strategy.

As per a statement released on Monday, over 1,200 police officers and 275 Home Guards will be deployed to oversee the crowd and maintain public order.

Furthermore, 50 surveillance cameras have been strategically placed around the temple area to track the flow of devotees and deter criminal behavior.

To enhance monitoring, four drone cameras will be utilized for an aerial view of the festivities.

Traffic on the busy Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway will be managed, with heavy vehicles rerouted on Tuesday to alleviate congestion near the festival site.

Thirteen specialized crime teams have been assembled to prevent incidents such as chain snatching.

Security protocols will also include the presence of three bomb detection and disposal squads.

Fire trucks will be on standby with trained staff to handle emergencies.

Ambulances will be available to transport any devotees who may become unwell to nearby medical facilities.

Additionally, the Health Department has established two temporary medical centers in Samayapuram to offer immediate care for devotees experiencing fainting spells or other health issues.

Beyond security, measures have been taken to ensure the convenience and safety of pilgrims.

Unsafe buildings along the car festival route have been identified and cordoned off to prevent individuals from climbing or entering them.

Drinking water tanks and mobile toilets have been set up at key locations by the district administration in collaboration with temple officials.

Encroachments along the temple car procession path have also been removed.

The Arulmigu Mariamman Temple is among the most esteemed shrines in Tamil Nadu.

Situated in the Tiruchirappalli district, it is dedicated to Samayapuram Mariamman, a powerful manifestation of the goddess Adi Parashakti and Mariamman.

Uniquely, the main idol is composed of sand, clay, and medicinal herbs, hence ritual bathing is not performed on it. Instead, rituals are conducted on a smaller stone statue located in front of the main deity.

Devotees frequently offer mavilakku — a traditional sweet made of rice flour, jaggery, and ghee — along with raw salt and neem leaves, especially on auspicious days such as Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

The temple is known to draw thousands of devotees on these days and is recognized as the second wealthiest temple in Tamil Nadu after Palani, in terms of cash flow.

aal/rad