Tamil Nadu's Tiruvannamalai is gearing up for one of the country's largest Hindu festivals, with authorities projecting over 50 lakh devotees at the Arunachaleswarar Temple during the Karthigai Deepam festival, scheduled to run from 12 to 28 November. Extensive security, transport and civic arrangements are being drawn up to manage the expected surge in pilgrims.

Maha Deepam: The Central Event

The highlight of the festival, Maha Deepam, falls on 24 November, when between 45 lakh and 50 lakh devotees are expected to converge on the town. The temple car festival, another key fixture of the celebrations, is separately projected to draw around eight lakh visitors.

A preparedness review was co-chaired by Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister C. Ramesh at the district Collectorate on Saturday, with Collector Vandhana Garg and senior departmental officials in attendance.

Security and Surveillance Measures

Police deployment will be staggered at intervals across the town, with a six-member police team led by a sub-inspector proposed for every 500 metres. Additional watchtowers will bolster the surveillance grid, and the existing network of 750 CCTV cameras will be made fully operational before the festival begins. Centralised control rooms at the Collectorate and the Superintendent of Police's office will monitor camera feeds round the clock and coordinate emergency responses.

Particular attention will be given to the safety of women, children and senior citizens, and dedicated facilities are planned for persons with disabilities. Children attending the festival will be issued wristbands to enhance their safety.

Transport and Traffic Management

Temporary bus termini are to be established on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai, with shuttle services linking them to the town centre. Vehicle entry restrictions — especially stringent on Maha Deepam day — are intended to ease congestion and allow devotees to move freely. The plan reflects lessons drawn from crowd-management challenges at previous editions of the festival.

Civic and Health Infrastructure

Preparations on the civic side include adequate drinking water taps, toilets and streetlights across the town and along the Girivalam circumambulation route. Health help desks will be set up at key locations, and ambulances will remain on standby to respond to medical emergencies.

Notably, jute mats are proposed along two kilometres of footpaths to protect barefoot devotees from heated surfaces — a practical measure that signals the administration's focus on the comfort of pilgrims undertaking the Girivalam walk.

Tickets and Online Access

Tickets for Deepam darshan will be distributed through the temple administration's official website, an online arrangement designed to regulate crowd access during the most congested phases of the celebrations. All departments have been directed to coordinate closely to ensure essential services remain accessible throughout the festival.