The Forest Department on Saturday night (January 31, 2026) intervened in the operation of a high-intensity moving head beam light at Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple for Thai Poosam celebrations. High-intensity light beams generated from the hill-shrine could be seen from far away places.
An activist posted photos of the light show from the temple, which is situated in a reserve forest area of Coimbatore forest range, on social media. He posted that high-intensity moving lights were being operated at night unlike ever before. The activist added that the Madras High Court had already advised that nothing should be done to disturb the tranquillity of the forest.
Upon seeing the post, a Forest Department team visited the spot and brought the matter to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department-cum-Executive Officer of the temple. The light show was immediately stopped, said a Forest Department official.
The official said the Department issued a warning to the operators of the high-intensity moving head beam light. The Department would initiate further action, including seizure of the equipment, for violation. “We have also posted a special team at Marudhamalai,” added the official.
Published – February 01, 2026 07:02 pm IST
