Devasthanam officials geared for ‘Thai Poosam’ festival at Palani; control room to function round-the-clock

The HR&CE department officials are geared to handle the ‘Thai Poosam’ celebrations at the world famous Sri Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani.

Speaking to The Hindu, HR&CE Joint Commissioner-cum-Executive Officer S. Marimuthu said here on Tuesday that elaborate arrangements have been made for the visiting devotees.

Among the festivals, ‘Thai Poosam’ is considered significant for the devotees that large number of them reach out to the shrine by foot (padayatra) from different destinations as a part of a vow.

The administration has opened up a control room, which would function round-the-clock. Devotees can reach out on toll free number 1800 425 9925, 04545-240293, 241293 and 242236 respectively.

For the benefit of the devotees, free bus service would be available for three days from January 31 in Palani town until February 2. Likewise, a large number of bathing/restrooms have been arranged for free around the Giriveedhi in the temple town.

In coordination with the Health and Family Welfare department and private hospitals and NGOs, mobile health camps and ambulances are stationed at vantage locations. Free check-up and first-aid facilities would be provided for those needy persons, Mr. Marimuthu said.

Annadhanam for devotees

The JC said that annadhanam, which was commenced by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekar Babu since May 2021 till January 21, had so far benefited 1.02 crore devotees from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The administration also served variety rice to the devotees between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily and so far 10.71 lakh people had benefited.

The free panchamirtham prasadam had been served to 1.29 crore since April 2022. Likewise, 1.77 lakh infants had taken hot milk at the shrine since August 2024. The HR&CE administration gave sukku coffee during winter times and a total of 17 lakh visitors had consumed since November 2022.

A total of 39 battery cars had transported 99 lakh people since March 2024 around the Giriveedhi here and a large number of differently abled persons were transported free on the winch and rope car to the hillock for darshan.

The free break-fast scheme, which was started by the State government since November 2022, had benefited 9.45 lakh students studying in the institutions run by the Palani Devasthanam Board, he said and added that lunch was also being provided to over 6.68 lakh students since December 2024. A total of 47 students were studying in the veda padasalai, 103 students were enrolled in thavil/nagaswaram classes and 63 students were being trained for archakars.

Deputy Commissioner R. S. Venkatesh and Assistant Commissioner S. Lakshmi said that they expected close to a million devotees to witness the ‘Thai Poosam’ festival and appealed to the visitors to cooperate with the administration.