Tiruvannamalai is gearing up for tonight’s Maha Deepam festival, a highlight of the Karthigai Deepam celebrations drawing lakhs of devotees despite the rains.The 300-kg Maha Deepam copper pot (kopparai), along with 4,500 kg of ghee and a 1,500-meter wick, was carried to the 2,668-foot Annamalaiyar hilltop yesterday after special poojas set for lighting at 6 p.m.
Barani Deepam was lit at 4 a.m. this morning. Meanwhile, the maha deepam will remain visible for 11 days from up to 15 km away.
District authorities have ramped up arrangements, including 4,764 special buses, AI surveillance cameras along the Girivalam path, temporary bus stands, parking, medical camps, and 108 ambulances.
Over 15,000 police personnel, 1,200 sanitation workers, drinking water units, and uninterrupted power ensure devotee safety, with Public Works Minister E.V. Velu reviewing sites yesterday.