Pilgrim Rush Increases at Sabarimala with Makaravilakku Season
On the New Year morning, Sabarimala Sannidhanam experienced heavy crowding, with queues stretching from Marakkoottam up to the Nadappanthal. It is reported that nearly 20,000 people have arrived so far. A large influx of pilgrims has been witnessed since early morning.
After the Sabarimala temple was opened for the Makaravilakku festival, 1,20,256 pilgrims have offered darshan so far. This is the count up to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The temple was opened at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. On the first day, 57,256 devotees had darshan. Among them, 20,477 pilgrims came through the virtual queue, 4,401 through spot booking, and 4,283 climbed the hill via the Pulimedu route.
The second day of the Makaravilakku season, Wednesday, also witnessed heavy crowding. There was a significant increase in the number of pilgrims using the forest routes. A total of 4,898 pilgrims had darshan on Wednesday via the Satram–Pulimedu route. Entry through this route is permitted only from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Over two days, 16,411 pilgrims arrived through the Mukkuzi route.
Strong security arrangements have been made under the leadership of various departments during the Makaravilakku season. The Makaravilakku will be held on the 14th. Pilgrims will be allowed darshan until 11 p.m. on the 19th. The temple will be closed at 6:30 a.m. on the 20th.