Online booking mandatory for Sabarimala pilgrimage from this year

The Kerala government has made online booking mandatory for pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala shrine. Facilities will be provided to allow a maximum of 80,000 devotees per day.

In Short

• No spot booking for pilgrims at Sabarimala this year
• Maximum 80,000 devotees allowed daily
• Road repairs and guest house renovations underway

Ahead of the Sabarimala Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, the Kerala government has decided to allow pilgrims through only online booking this time. Facilities will be provided to allow a maximum of 80,000 devotees per day.

The decision was taken at the review meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"There will be no spot booking at Sabarimala this time. We will check and see if pilgrims come without booking. Additional parking arrangements have been made at Nilakkal and Erumeli," Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan said.

The virtual queue will provide the pilgrims with an opportunity to choose the travel route at the time of booking. Thus, pilgrims can choose a less congested travel route. Necessary facilities will be provided for the devotees on the traditional forest path.

If vehicles have to be controlled during peak hours, centres will be identified and necessary infrastructure will be provided. Repair works of roads and parking grounds to Sabarimala will be completed soon.

The Vishudhi Sena personnel will undergo health check-up and ensure necessary training. Sabari Guest House maintenance will be completed by October 31. The renovation of Pranavam Guest House has been completed.