Srirangam all set to celebrate "Vaiikunta Ekadasi"

Srirangam (Tamil Nadu), Dec 28 (UNI) With two days to go for the annual ''Vaiikunta Ekadasi'' festival, when the procession of Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy would be taken out through the ''Sorga Vasal'' (Gateway to Heaven) in the wee hours of December 30, the holy town of Srirangam wears a colourful look.

The 21-day long annual festivities in the run up to the festival, has attracted a large number of devotees from various parts of the country. Anticipating an increase in the devotees to throng the town on the ''Vaiikunta Ekadasi'' day, the district administration and the police, health, fire and transport departments have made elaborte arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain law and order.

A tight security cover has been thrown over the Srirangam Town, especially the temple in view of the recent terrorist attacks in various parts of the country, including places of worship. About 2,000 police personnel, including armed policemen have been deployed in the town. Compared to last year, the number of police personnel deployed and the security arrangements is very high, a senior police official told UNI.

Sleuths of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) have been deployed. A Multi-Zone Door Frame Metal Detector, and three surveillance cameras have also been installed at the ''Karthigai'' gate, ''Nazhikottan'' gate and ''Paramapada Vaasal'', to monitor the movement of the devotees.

Fire tenders and hand held fire extinguishers have been stationed at vulnerable places around the temple in case of emergency, he added.

Exhaust fans, and air-conditioners have also been installed at certain areas for the convenience of devotees, the temple sources said.

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