President Droupadi Murmu's Rescheduled Sabarimala Visit Set for May 19
Know More: President Will Not Visit Sabarimala This Month; Rashtrapati Bhavan Seeks Future Temple Dates
Thiruvananthapuram: President Smt. Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa, initially cancelled due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, has been officially rescheduled for May 19. Rashtrapati Bhavan has formally communicated the revised schedule to the Kerala state government.
Originally planned for May 18–19, the President’s tour was postponed following increased border tensions, leading to the suspension of all official engagements. In response, the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa temple administration halted virtual queue bookings and imposed restrictions on devotees for the affected dates.
With the confirmation of the rescheduled visit, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which oversees the administration of the temple, has once again suspended virtual queue bookings for May 18 and 19. Public darshan on these two days will remain blocked to facilitate the President’s visit and ensure adequate security arrangements.
This marks only the second time in history that an Indian President will visit the Sabarimala shrine, the first being V. V. Giri.
As per the new schudule, President Murmu will arrive in Kerala on May 18 and attend a jubilee conference at St Thomas College, Kottayam district. She is scheduled to stay overnight in Kumarakom before proceeding to Nilakkal by helicopter on May 19.
From Nilakkal, the President is expected to travel by road to Pamba and to the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa temple by walk. The Kerala government has directed relevant departments to ensure smooth coordination and security for the high-profile visit.
The revised visit also coincides with the temple’s opening for the Edava month pujas. Authorities had already initiated elaborate security arrangements, including intelligence operations and police deployment, in anticipation of the President’s arrival.