Call it a huge rush in Kanchipuram. On the 27th day of his rising from the holy tank today, Lord Athi Varadar decorated with varieties of flowers. Today being Saturday, considered auspicious to offer prayers to the Lord, devotees thronged Kanchipuram in large numbers. Many devotees say that they had waited in queue for over four hours since last night to offer prayers. They were not even provided with water to drinking.
A few said that there was no toilet facilities too. Devotees blame District administration for lack of arrangements. A devotee said, 'Don't they expect huge crowds for Athi Varadar. Over one lakh devotees come every day. It is shocking that nothing has been done to ensure safety and security of devotees. Five people have died so far'.
Meanwhile, devotees say it was drizzling and there was no cover outside East Gopuram. Why there was no proper planning? they ask. Autorickshaws fleece devotees. We have very few buses running, allege many. Athi Varadar comes out once in 40 years. We are desperate to see him. Had they made proper arrangements we could have been happy, many say.
