Tiruvannamalai Landslide: Expert Panel to Determine Devotee Access to Annamalai Hills
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Chennai, Dec 8 (NationPress) Following the recent landslide in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, which claimed seven lives, a report from an expert committee is eagerly awaited to ascertain if devotees will be permitted to scale the Annamalai Hills for the upcoming Karthigai Mahadeepam festival on December 13.
The Karthigai Mahadeepam festival is among the most cherished celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
The landslide transpired on December 1, following intense rainfall linked to Cyclone Fengal. This caused rocks to tumble down the 2,668-foot hill, leading to the unfortunate loss of life.
A nine-member expert panel, chaired by Saravana Vel Raj, the Commissioner of the Directorate of Mines, along with geotechnical and mining specialists, has initiated a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the safety of the mountainous area, emphasizing soil composition and various geological elements.
Their findings will dictate whether pilgrims can ascend the hills safely.
Meanwhile, the ten-day Karthigai Deepam festival at the esteemed Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai has commenced.
This festival, a vital cultural and spiritual occasion in Tamil Nadu, represents the triumph of light over darkness.
Its profound connection to mythology, along with elaborate rituals and celebrations, attracts numerous devotees each year.
In 2023, approximately 40 devotees ascended the hills chanting 'Arunachaleshwara'. However, police limited access for larger vehicles to the town, deploying 14,000 personnel for crowd management.
The festival's centerpiece is the lighting of the Mahadeepam atop the 2,668-foot Annamalai Hill, an auspicious ritual passed down through generations.
According to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE), the cauldron for the 'Mahadeepam' is transported along a seven-kilometre route behind the temple by a team of 20, mostly fishermen.
This tradition, deeply embedded in the culture and spirituality of Tamil Nadu, highlights the significance of the Karthigai Deepam festival as a period of spiritual renewal and enlightenment for its devotees.
