5 Padi Pujas Daily at Sabarimala to Clear Long-Pending Bookings; TDB Informs Kerala HC
Kochi: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has informed the Kerala High Court that it has decided to conduct five Padi Pujas every day at Sabarimala to clear the long-pending bookings.
The Board also said that the names of devotees who have booked Padi Puja will be digitised. The names of devotees who are no longer alive will be removed from the list.
A Devaswom Bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K. V. Jayakumar considered the matter.
The TDB had earlier informed the court that new Padi Puja bookings would be accepted only after completing the Pujas already booked. According to the Board, 705 Padi Pujas have been booked up to 2040. The current booking rate is ₹1,37,900.
The Board also clarified that Padi Puja is not conducted during the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The court directed the TDB to strictly comply with its earlier directions and take steps to clear the pending bookings in an orderly manner.
Court Raises Concern Over Chalakkayam–Pamba Road
The Bench also expressed serious concern over the condition of the 4-km Chalakkayam–Pamba road, describing it as being in a “pitiable” condition and riddled with potholes.
Although ₹15 crore has been allocated for the road, the court warned against carrying out only temporary patchwork. It directed that a proper technical assessment be conducted, failed portions of the pavement be strengthened and adequate drainage arrangements be ensured.
The Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to submit a detailed execution plan for the road works.
Unauthorised Shop Ordered to Be Demolished
The court also directed the immediate demolition of an unauthorised petty shop at Koprakalam, citing unhygienic conditions.
In addition, the authorities were instructed to remove the accumulated earth from the premises of the Devaswom school.
The case has been posted for further hearing on September 16.