Makarajyothi: Vehicle Movement Allowed Only Till 10 a.m.; Restrictions for Pilgrims and Vehicles on Wednesday
With a massive rush expected for the Makarajyothi darshan on 14 Jan at Sabarimala, authorities have imposed strict restrictions on pilgrims and vehicles. On the Pampa–Nilakkal route, vehicles will be allowed only until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, after which vehicular movement will be completely stopped at Nilakkal. From 11 a.m. onwards, pilgrims will not be permitted to proceed from Pampa to the Sannidhanam.
For Tuesday, entry from Pampa to Sannidhanam has been limited to 35,000 pilgrims through the virtual queue system and 5,000 through spot booking. On Makaravilakku day (Wednesday), the number will be further restricted to 30,000 pilgrims via the virtual queue and 5,000 through spot booking only.
Tractor movement on the Pampa–Sannidhanam path will also be regulated. Police have assessed that there will be extremely heavy crowding for the Makarajyothi darshan, and extensive safety measures have been put in place at locations where pilgrims are staying to prevent accidents. Arrangements for uninterrupted water supply have been completed, and the Irrigation Department has ensured sufficient water for pilgrims’ holy bath, according to Sabarimala ADM Arun S. Nair.
Fire safety precautions have also been strengthened at pilgrim rest areas. Barricading work at locations where pilgrims wait for the Jothi darshan has been completed by the Devaswom engineering wing. In addition, barricades along the route from Sharankuthi to the Sannidhanam, including the waiting area to climb the holy 18 steps, have been reinforced.
Pampa Vilakku and Pampa Sadhya
One of the key rituals of the Makaravilakku season, the Pampa Vilakku and Pampa Sadhya, will be held today. The Ambalappuzha and Alangad groups, who performed the traditional Pettathullal at Erumely, reached Pampa on foot via the forest path by Tuesday evening. After ritual purification and evening prayers, preparations for the Pampa Sadhya began. Cooking will be completed by noon today, after which the offerings will first be made to Lord Ayyappa, followed by serving the feast to others.
The Pampa Vilakku will take place in the evening, where a decorated structure made of areca palm stems, balloons, and lit candles is joyfully danced with and floated in the Pampa River.
Pullumedu Ready for Makarajyothi
Pilgrims unable to find space at the Sannidhanam are trekking to Pullumedu to witness the Makarajyothi. Pullumedu is reached after an 8-kilometre steep climb from Pandithavalam and is known for its unobstructed view of the divine light. Authorities expect around one lakh pilgrims there. Final preparations at Pullumedu have been completed, with lighting arranged using generators and extensive police deployment for security.
Emergency medical facilities and doctors will be available. One of the major issues faced by pilgrims earlier was the lack of mobile network coverage. To address this, BSNL has installed a temporary mobile tower at Pullumedu, which became operational from Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief to both pilgrims and officials.
After the Makarajyothi darshan, KSRTC has arranged 60 buses to facilitate the return journey of pilgrims from Pullumedu, operating services on the Kozhikkanam–Kumily route.