A week-long exhibition-cum-sale of products made by members of women self-help groups (SHGs) was opened at the Pumalai commercial complex in Vengikkal village on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai town as part of the upcoming annual Chitra Pournami festival.

Officials said the exhibition, which was inaugurated by Additional Collector (Development), M. Pratap, will be open till April 17 (Sunday). Readymade garments, gift articles, Thanjavur art plates, toys, pickles, and household articles were among the products on display at the exhibition that is aimed at providing marketing opportunities for women members of self-help groups. Products of more than a dozen SHGs in the district were on display.

As part of the festival initiatives, the district administration has identified 40 spots for annadhana (free food distribution) where volunteers will be allowed to set up free food distribution kiosks.

Those who are interested in providing ‘annadhana’ can register online (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) before April 14 (Thursday). More than 25 lakh visitors are expected to visit the temple town during the festival. Being an extended weekend, more people are expected for the festival, officials said.

 
Officials said shelters would be provided to minimise the effect of summer heat. Watering of the floor on the entire 16-km-girivalam pathway would also be done. Further, three free refreshments kiosks would also be set up for devotees along the pathway. In addition, devotees would also be given free buttermilk, water bottles, tender coconuts and fresh juices.

The Arunachaleswara temple would be opened between 4 a.m and 11 p.m for Chitra Pournami. Officials said letters from VVIPs for special VIP darshan would not be allowed owing to heavy rush of devotees. However, they can buy ₹50 ticket for special darshan.