
Spiritual fervour marks Vaikasi Visakam festival atTirupparankundram
The Hindu
Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tirupparankundram on Friday on the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam.
Thousands of devotees thronged Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Tirupparankundram on Friday on the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam. Many of them carried pots of milk for abhishekam, kavadis and tender coconut water to fulfil their vows to the Lord. A good number of the devotees reached the temple with their tongues and other body parts pierced with spears. Annadhanam was organised at several places.
In order to ease the movement of the people on barefoot under the scorching sun, coconut coir had been spread on the road leading from the arch of the bus stand to the temple. Showers had also been installed along the path. Two Mobile toilets had been deployed. Inside the temple, large electric fans and air coolers had been placed. Drinking water was made available for the devotees.s

The Socio Economic and Educational Survey (caste census) report, accepted by the Karnataka government on Friday, has proposed an increase in reservation to other backward classes (OBCs) from the existing 32% to 51 %. This would result in total reservation in the State going up to 85%, including 10% to the economically weaker sections (EWS) and 24% to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.