Special Arrangements for Children and Senior Citizens at Sabarimala; Administration Moves Request for Further Action
Pathanamthitta: The Sabarimala Ayyappa Yuva Seva Samithi (SAYSS) has urged the district administration to make special arrangements for children and senior citizens during the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The request was submitted by SAYSS on September 28, 2026. Pathanamthitta District Collector Nizamudeen A IAS subsequently forwarded the request to the concerned authorities for necessary action. In his official communication dated September 30, 2026, the District Collector forwarded the request to the Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board, Thiruvananthapuram; the Executive Officer, Sabarimala; and the Executive Engineer, Travancore Devaswom Board, Thiruvananthapuram.
In his communication, the District Collector drew the attention of the concerned authorities to the request and forwarded a copy of the application submitted by the Sabarimala Ayyappa Yuva Seva Samithi for necessary further action.
In its request letter to the authorities, SAYSS organisation said that lakhs of devotees are expected to undertake the pilgrimage and that children and elderly pilgrims may face difficulties due to long queues, extended waiting periods, crowding and the physically demanding nature of the pilgrimage. The organisation said that special facilities and assistance would help ensure their safety, comfort and a smoother pilgrimage experience.
In the letter, SAYSS sought special assistance and priority facilities for senior citizens and families travelling with young children at major pilgrimage points. It also requested separate or priority queue arrangements, wherever feasible, for senior citizens and pilgrims with young children.
The SAYSS organisation further requested adequate seating, drinking water, resting areas and medical assistance at important pilgrimage locations. It also proposed establishing spot-booking centres at major pilgrimage centres and important pilgrim transit points to assist devotees who require on-site booking facilities.
In its request, SAYSS also called for clear and visible signboards identifying Edathavalams, or pilgrim resting centres, along the major routes used by Sabarimala pilgrims. It proposed signboards providing information about medical centres, toilets, drinking-water points, annadhanam facilities, parking areas, emergency services and other essential facilities.
The organisation also sought help desks and volunteer assistance at key locations to guide senior citizens, children, families and pilgrims unfamiliar with the routes. It proposed clear and easily understandable multilingual information boards at important locations to help pilgrims navigate the pilgrimage routes and access essential services.
SAYSS stated in its request that the proposed arrangements would contribute to the safety, convenience and well-being of Sabarimala pilgrims, particularly children and senior citizens. The organisation requested the district administration to consider the suggestions and take necessary steps in coordination with the concerned departments and authorities before the commencement of the pilgrimage season.
The request was submitted by by L. Srinivas, Chairman of SAYSS.
Sabarimala Ayyappa Yuva Seva Samithi Chairman L. Srinivas thanked the district administration for its positive response to the organisation’s request and expressed hope that the proposed measures would be implemented before the commencement of the pilgrimage season. He said the implementation of these arrangements would help improve the safety and convenience of children, senior citizens and other pilgrims visiting Sabarimala.
