Drones, Filming and Roadside Cooking Banned Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season
Pathanamthitta: Ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, the Pathanamthitta district administration has imposed strict restrictions on photography, videography, drone operations, roadside vending and cooking to ensure pilgrim safety at Sabarimala.
District Collector A. Nizamudeen has ordered a complete ban on photography and videography inside the temple enclosures at Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal. However, recording for official and security purposes will be permitted with prior authorisation.
The decision follows concerns that unrestricted photography and video recording could obstruct pilgrim movement, worsen overcrowding and increase the risk of accidents during peak pilgrimage days.
Unauthorised drone operations have also been completely prohibited at Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilakkal and adjoining forest areas. Security agencies may operate drones only with prior permission from the District Police Chief. Officials cited concerns over pilgrim safety, privacy, security arrangements and possible disturbances to wildlife.
Meanwhile, unauthorised roadside vending along the Pamba-Sannidhanam route will remain banned from November 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. Tethering or grazing cattle along pilgrimage roads between Vadasserikkara and Attathode has also been prohibited.
As part of fire safety measures, hotels between Laha and Sannidhanam can store a maximum of five gas cylinders at a time. Hazardous storage of cylinders in public places and cooking near vehicles along pilgrimage roads, at Nilakkal and in parking areas are strictly prohibited.
The administration has also banned the storage, preparation and sale of non-vegetarian food at eateries along the Laha-Sannidhanam pilgrimage route.
With the pilgrimage season approaching, authorities are stepping up preparations to manage the expected surge in devotees. The district administration has emphasised that pilgrim safety, smooth darshan arrangements and strict adherence to the Green Protocol will remain top priorities.