Crowds from Tamil Nadu and Kerala gathered for the Chitra Pournami festival at the Mangala Devi Kannagi temple, located atop Vinnetriparai hill on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border near Gudalur in Theni district.
The hill shrine can be reached through Kerala forest via a 14-km jeep track from Kumily, or through Tamil Nadu forest routes involving a walking trail from Paliyankudi via Thellukkudi. On the festival day, the deity was adorned in a green silk saree, and pujas were performed by Tamil Nadu priest Rajalingam.
This year, the turnout was higher than usual. However, devotees said the number of jeeps permitted from the Kumily side through the Kerala forest was reduced compared to last year, leaving many struggling to return after darshan.
Tension also arose when Theni district revenue officials attempted to prepare pongal in the temple परिसर on behalf of the district administration. Kerala police initially stopped the activity citing lack of permission, but allowed it after prolonged arguments, with officials stating it was in line with decisions taken in a collectors’ meeting.
Devotees further alleged that Kerala police asked those resting in the temple premises to leave as early as 12 noon, causing distress among pilgrims who had come for the festival.
