Virtual Queue Mandatory at Sabarimala; Elderly and Children Advised to Avoid Forest Route
Pathanamthitta: Sannidhanam ADM Dr. Arun S. Nair, IAS has announced that virtual queue and spot booking rules, as directed by the High Court, will be strictly followed during the Sabarimala Mandala–Makaravilakku festival.
The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting held at the Devaswom Conference Hall. Devotees have been advised to visit the temple only on the dates booked through the virtual queue system to ensure smooth crowd management and safe darshan.
The ADM requested elderly devotees, those with health issues or difficulty walking, and families with small children to avoid the traditional forest trekking route and instead use the Nilakkal–Pampa route. Increasing crowd levels on the forest path make it difficult to provide emergency medical care and ambulance services.
Forest guards, Fire and Rescue personnel, and NDRF teams are working continuously to assist pilgrims who fall ill on the forest route. The traditional path also passes through areas inhabited by elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes, and other wildlife. Forest department officials are maintaining strict surveillance to ensure safety. Major resting points on the route include Seethakkulam, Zero Point, Pullumedu, and Urakuzhi.
The pilgrim rush at Sabarimala is currently under control, and arrangements for the Mandala - makara vilakku season are being coordinated across departments.
The ADM also urged devotees not to rest on tractor roads in and around Sannidhanam, especially at night, as active vehicle movement can cause accidents. Resting on unsafe routes is particularly risky for children and senior citizens.
He further appealed to devotees to help maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of Sabarimala by avoiding littering, especially plastic waste, on forest paths and temple premises.