Gangaikondacholapuram, July 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour at the annual Aadithiruvathirai festival scheduled for 27 July at the celebrated Brihadeeswarar Temple here.The UNESCO-recognised temple, built by the Chola emperor Rajendra I, marks the monarchās birthday each year on the Aadithiruvathirai star day of the Tamil month Aadi. In 2021 the Tamil Nadu government officially elevated the occasion to a state-sponsored celebration, and it has since attracted growing national attention.
In preparation for the Prime Ministerās visit, senior officers from the Special Protection Group, the Archaeological Survey of India, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, and the state police have set up camp in the temple town to oversee security and logistical arrangements. Ariyalur District Collector S. Rathinasamy and Superintendent of Police Deepak Sivas have conducted on-site inspections at the temple complex, coordinating closely with central agencies to finalise the venue layout, crowd-management plans, and emergency protocols.
The district administration is also arranging amenities such as drinking-water points, medical kiosks, and sheltered waiting areas for devotees expected to arrive in large numbers. Traffic diversions and shuttle services from nearby towns will be announced ahead of the festival day.
The Aadithiruvathirai celebration will feature traditional rituals, special abhishekam and alankaram for the presiding deity, cultural performances, and a public address by Prime Minister Modi. With the Chola capitalās architectural grandeur as a backdrop, the event is set to highlight Tamil Naduās ancient heritage on a national stage.