Devotees Barred From Arunachala Hill on Maha Deepam Day
Tiruvannamalai's district collector has banned devotees from climbing the Arunachala Hills on Maha Deepam day. The decision was taken in view of heavy rainfall forecast during the Karthigai Deepam celebrations in the region. Pilgrims who had planned the climb on that day will need to change their plans.
Context
Arunachala is a sacred hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, and the lamp lighting of Karthigai Deepam draws large crowds of pilgrims each year. Heavy rain during the northeast monsoon often makes the steep climb risky, which is why such weather-based restrictions are sometimes imposed.
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