Sabarimala: The tranquil hills of Sabarimala, home to the sacred Lord Ayyappa shrine, have been witnessing a substantial increase in pilgrim footfall during this year’s Mandalam season. The pilgrimage, which commenced on November 17, took an unexpected turn as the number of devotees surged, posing challenges for crowd management.
On December 7, a record-breaking 1.02 lakh (102,000) pilgrims flocked to Sabarimala, marking a significant spike from the usual average of around 80,000. The surge in numbers, coupled with a 30% rise in women, children, and elderly pilgrims compared to the previous season, created logistical challenges, especially during the ascent of the revered ‘pathinettampadi’ – the holy 18 steps leading to the temple.
In response to the escalating situation, the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led Kerala government swiftly initiated measures to bring the rush under control. Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan dispatched to Sabarimala, collaborated with top officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which oversees the temple’s administration, to devise effective crowd management strategies.
One notable adjustment includes an extension of the darshan time at the temple from 17 to 18 hours per day. Additionally, virtual queue bookings, a popular method for pilgrims to secure their spots, were reduced from 90,000 to 80,000 per day. This move aims to streamline the entry process and distribute the pilgrimage flow more evenly.
Security measures have been intensified along the route to the temple, particularly at Erumely, Pamba, and Nilackal, to ensure the safety of the devotees. The government has also limited on-the-spot registrations for pilgrims, a decision geared towards controlling the crowd at the hilltop shrine.
The first 19 days of the Mandalam season saw an average of 62,000 pilgrims daily. However, the numbers sharply escalated from December 6 onwards, precipitating the need for urgent intervention by the authorities.
The Kerala government’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges at Sabarimala reflects its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the pilgrimage while ensuring the safety and comfort of devotees. As the Mandalam season unfolds, the administration remains vigilant, navigating the delicate balance between tradition, spirituality, and effective crowd management at this revered pilgrimage site.
