Prior permission must for annadhanam during Arupathu Moovar festival

To reduce food wastage during the course of the festival, Mylapore Deputy Commissioner of Police P. Saravanan has put certain rules and regulations in place this year.

According to a press release, those who wish to distribute food, water and juices as part of annadhanam must get prior permission from the police, especially on the days the car festival and Arupathu Moovar festival will be conducted.

People who are found carrying food items for distribution without permission will not be allowed to enter the streets.

“This will be strictly enforced by Police personnel and volunteers in view of the safety of the public and to reduce food wastage and waste generation on the Mada Streets,” said the DCP in the release.

Vishwesharayya, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mylapore, says, “This year, we are allowing only those who have been practising annadhanam for the last 40 to 50 years into the mada streets. Ten such members have approached us already. Others may perform annadhanam in areas away from the Mada streets; Sai Baba Koil, for example. They can come to the station and write a petition.”

Additional measures

* Temple authorities have been asked to make arrangements to install CCTV cameras at all the shops on Mada streets that do not have one.

*LED screens, which will be installed at three spots, will broadcast the car procession as well as display advertisements and public messages issued by the City Police.

* Households that perform annadhanam have been instructed to distribute food before and/or after the car festival on their respective streets.

* Each Mada street will have been assigned a Deputy Commissioner and a team, including two Assistant Commissioners. A watchtower, patrol vehicles and a crime team in muftis have been deployed.

A special security team has been arranged inside and outside the temple. “We have requested for a drone to ensure extra surveillance,” says the ACP.

* Interestingly, women devotees and visitors will be given safety pins to pin their chains to their dresses to prevent chain snatching.

Additionally, banners and posters explaining how to protect their belongings, along with phone numbers, will be put up.