THENI: Elaborate arrangements have been made for `Chithra Pournami' to be celebrated at the Mangala Devi Kannagi temple on the Western Ghats near Kerala-Tamil Nadu border on Wednesday.

Pilgrims could either take the 16-km long jeep route or trek six km in the dense forests from Paliyankudisai village.

Special medical camps would be held on the temple premises at Thekkadi, an entry point for jeeps, and at Paliyankudisai, starting place for the trekking route.

Drinking water facility has been provided at Paliyankudisai and chlorinated water supply on temple premises. For the first time, forest officials have decided to count the number of pilgrims trekking to the hills from Paliyankudisai. `Gurukals' of Kerala and Tamil Nadu would perform pujas.

Adequate security

Kerala police would provide adequate security in three stages in the temple as well in two routes. Tamil Nadu police would be involved in guiding the pilgrims.

The use of speakers, generators and percussion instruments are completely banned. No entry fee would be charged.

However, a fee of Rs.40 per person would be charged for travel by jeep and Rs.30 for the return journey.

Pilgrims would not be allowed stay after 4 p.m. in the temple on the festival day.

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