More Palani pilgrims walk into death trap

MADURAI: Two more pilgrims walking towards Palani in Dindigul were killed in a road accident near Natham while another sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital. The is the second such incident in the last two days. On Sunday, Surendran, 42, a native of Vandiyur, walking to Palani, was also killed in an accident near Vadipatti.
According to Natham police, who registered a case and conducted inquiries, the accident took place early Monday morning, when a bus from Karaikudi travelling towards Dindigul ploughed through a group of pilgrims from Karaikudi.The deceased were identified as Meiyappan, 55, and his son Muthumeiyappan, 30. Abiramani, another pilgrim, suffered grievous injuries and was rushed to a hospital.
Every year, thousands of devotes from various districts including Madurai, Sivaganga, Dindigul, Virudhunagar take up a pilgrimage to Dhandayuthapani temple in Palani, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Around 50,000 pilgrims throng Palani every day. Footfalls goes up by 1.5lakh during Thai Poosam festival celebrated between mid-January and mid-February. Some pilgrims walk 160km to get to the temple. Most of those starting from Karaikudi cover 160km, walking through Tirupattur, Singampunari, Natham and Dindigul.
According to police sources, at least 10 pilgrims lose their lives along various stretches in Madurai every year. A police officer said that most of the accidents take place in the night when visibility is poor. Pilgrims can protect themselves by wearing reflectors, but most of them don't. Walking in groups is comparatively safer than walking in singles and twos. Pilgrims should also walk on the left side of the road, so that they can look out for approaching vehicles.
S Jayachandran from Anupanadi, who has been organizing a pilgrimage every year, said it is disheartening to see a number of accidents involving pilgrims. "We mostly walk at night since it is easier to cover a greater distance. It takes a week to reach the temple. The return journey is usually made through public transport," he said.
One suggestion is that police create awareness among pilgrims regarding safety. They could also issue reflectors to them. The exclusive pedestrian walkway between Oddanchatram and Ayakudi is very helpful in getting through several kilometres without hassle.