District and temple officials are preparing for the annual Vaikunta Ekadasi festival at the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, scheduled from December 9 to 30. The opening of the Paramapadavasal, a major event in the festival, is set for December 20, when a large turnout is expected.
Transport and visitor facilities
Collector Pratik Tayal chaired a coordination meeting at the temple’s Thousand Pillar Mandapam and asked officials to work together on services for devotees. He called for an orderly queue system, drinking water, temporary toilets and medical facilities.
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation was asked to run special buses and display route information at bus stands and halts. Tayal also requested that railway authorities consider special trains and temporary stops at Srirangam during the festival.
Safety and site arrangements
Officials were instructed to clear road encroachments and ensure canals and drains are covered. The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation was asked to maintain uninterrupted electricity in the town, with standby generators kept ready.
Organisers wishing to provide annadhanam, or free meals, must obtain permission from the Food Safety Department and serve food only at designated locations, Tayal said. Police were asked to provide security and install closed-circuit cameras in and around the temple. Fire and Rescue Services teams are also to remain ready.
Corporation Commissioner N. Ponmani, HR&CE Regional Joint Commissioner Gnanasekaran and temple Joint Commissioner A.R. Prakash attended the meeting.
