Madurai's Meenakshi Amman Temple administration has released a safety advisory for Deepavali, urging the public to avoid setting off fireworks or bringing hazardous materials near the temple. This advisory aligns with heightened precautions due to the ongoing Kumbabishekam, a consecration ceremony held once every 12 years, and extensive restoration work, including painting of the temple’s iconic towers.
According to ANI, "This precautionary measure is due to the temple's ongoing consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam), a significant event occurring once every 12 years, and extensive renovation works, including painting of the iconic towers. To protect the temple and ensure public safety, protective covers have been placed around the structure. Therefore, devotees and residents in nearby areas are urged to cooperate by avoiding firecrackers and flammable materials near the temple during Deepavali, maintaining a safe and sacred environment."
Temple officials have appealed to devotees and nearby residents to respect the advisory by refraining from using firecrackers and flammable items around the temple during Deepavali, helping to maintain a safe and reverent atmosphere.
In other festive gatherings, devotees are flocking to the Manicka Vinayagar Temple in Teppakulam, Trichy, and the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram to celebrate Diwali.
Meanwhile, Union Minister L Murugan celebrated Diwali by bursting firecrackers in Chennai. Talking to ANI, L Murugan said, "Today we are celebrating Diwali across the country. This Diwali is special as it is for everyone's aspiration, everyone's dream fulfilled by the government....Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative and the Ram Mandir is constructed. After the Ram temple dedication to the nation, this is the first Diwali. So that's why I told you this Diwali is special for each and everyone.."
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