Sabarimala Temple to Open Today for Niraputhari Rituals; Orange Alert in Pathanamthitta, Authorities Issue Travel Advisory
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| Pampa 8AM Photo/02.08.2026/Manikandan |
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: The Sabarimala temple will open today, August 2, 2026, for the Niraputhari rituals and will remain open until 10:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026. Amid continued rainfall in Ranni and an Orange Alert in Pathanamthitta district, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has urged devotees to exercise extreme caution and avoid visiting the shrine if possible until weather conditions improve.
Bus services between Chengannur and Pampa remain operational. However, devotees travelling on the route have reported continuous rainfall along the Chengannur–Pampa stretch. Pilgrims are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and follow official instructions before undertaking the journey.
On Saturday, following extremely heavy rainfall and a flood alert for the Pampa River, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) advised devotees planning to visit Sabarimala on August 2 and 3 for the Niraputhari celebrations to postpone their pilgrimage until weather conditions improve.
Heavy rain that began on Friday night triggered severe flooding in Ranni on Saturday. The town witnessed a flood-like situation similar to the devastating 2018 Kerala floods. As the Pampa River overflowed, floodwaters entered residential areas and the town, inundating shops and commercial establishments.
Light rain was reported again this morning, and rain continues in parts of Ranni. However, floodwaters have receded from Ranni town, and the water level in the Pampa River is also reported to be falling.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for today in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Authorities have urged the public and pilgrims to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.