Thousands undertake padayatra to Palani for Thai Poosam

Thousands of devotees undertaking padayatra (pilgrimage on foot) to the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at Palani for the Thai Poosam festival continued to pass through the district on Friday.

The festival, to be celebrated on February 1, attracts devotees from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States. Devotees, clad in green, yellow and saffron dhotis and yellow saris, from various parts of the district as well as Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri districts, were seen walking barefoot to Palani in Dindigul district. Many were also seen carrying kavadis.

A sharp increase in the movement of devotees was witnessed on Thursday and Friday, with many travelling in groups. They entered the district through Cauvery Road, Bhavani, Chennimalai, Kodumudi and Kokkarayanpettai, reached Dharmapuram Road and proceeded towards Palani. Several associations and philanthropists were seen providing tea, water, and snacks to the devotees along the route.

With fog and mist prevailing during the early morning hours, the district police distributed reflective stickers to pilgrims and advised them to walk along the sides of roads. They were warned against sleeping on road edges and were asked to follow traffic rules to ensure safety.

Waste bins have been placed at various locations across the city, and devotees were encouraged to segregate waste. Separate bins were provided for used arecanut plates, plastic, cardboard and paper waste, with awareness boards installed to discourage littering.