Madurai, 27 April (H.S.):

With the grand Chithirai Festival getting underway, Madurai has been placed under heightened security cover, accompanied by sweeping traffic curbs as authorities prepare for a massive influx of devotees over the next three days.

Police and civic authorities have rolled out a comprehensive crowd-control and traffic management plan centred around the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where the festival’s key rituals—including darshan, the celestial wedding (Thirukalyanam), and the iconic temple car procession—will take place. Lakhs of pilgrims are expected to participate, prompting officials to enforce strict movement regulations in and around the temple zone.

Traffic diversions have been imposed across several arterial roads in the city. While goods vehicles such as mini trucks will be allowed during normal permitted hours, authorities have announced a complete ban on their movement along four major roads from 10 p.m. on Tuesday until 3 p.m. on Wednesday to prevent congestion during peak events.

Additional restrictions are in place for ceremonial processions, particularly the ‘Dikkuvijayam’ on Keezh Masi Street. During this period, goods vehicles will not be permitted on any of the Masi roads. However, limited movement will be allowed on select stretches between Monday night and early Tuesday morning until 2 a.m.

Parking regulations have also been tightened significantly. Police said that parking will be prohibited on all four Avani Moola streets from Monday night until Tuesday afternoon. Further, from Tuesday night until the completion of the chariot procession, parking of all vehicles—including two-wheelers—will be banned across the four Masi streets encircling the temple.

On Wednesday, a complete vehicular ban will be enforced on Keezh Masi Street and Keezhamarath Street, while movement on other roads will be restricted to designated hours. Authorities have designated specific parking zones, including the Marret streets, and introduced permit-based parking systems to streamline vehicle flow.

Officials have urged devotees and visitors to strictly adhere to traffic guidelines to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of one of Tamil Nadu’s largest religious celebrations.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman