Massive Crowd at Sannidhanam; TDB Postpones Decision on Serving Kerala Sadya
Sabarimala ∙ After a brief two-day interval of reduced crowds, Sabarimala once again witnessed a massive influx of pilgrims. Nearly 90,000 devotees climbed the hill yesterday alone. The number of spot bookings is being adjusted based on the crowd levels at Pampa and Sannidhanam. Since the shrine opened early in the morning, heavy pilgrim traffic has been reported continuously.
Crowds had begun to ease only last Friday afternoon, and the lower turnout continued through Saturday and Sunday. With 16 days of the pilgrimage season now completed, the total number of devotees who have had darshan has risen to 13.36 lakh. ADGP S. Sreejith visited Sannidhanam and reviewed the ongoing police arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board has postponed the plan to begin serving a traditional Kerala feast (sadya) to pilgrims from this afternoon. The decision was delayed following disagreements among board members. The sadya will begin only after the Board meeting on the 5th, after tender procedures are completed.
Sabarimala ADM Dr. Arun S. Nair, IAS, told to media; that there are currently no complaints regarding basic facilities at Sabarimala. He added that spot bookings will be increased in proportion to the crowd at Sannidhanam and Pampa. Dr. Nair also advised those on medication and pilgrims with health issues to climb the hill slowly and carefully.