Moderate rush of pilgrims at Sabarimala on Day 1

Moderate rush of pilgrims at Sabarimala on Day 1

17/11/2021

Offering prayers: Devotees waiting for darshan at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple on Tuesday. Leju Kamal

STAFF REPORTER PATHANAMTHITTA

Braving inclement weather conditions, devotees began trekking the Sabarimala hillock to offer prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple on Tuesday.

In view of a regulation on the entry of devotees due to heavy rain, the day witnessed only a moderate rush of pilgrims. Only those who have booked slots in the virtual queue system are being permitted to the temple from the base camp at Pampa-Triveni.

Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan held a review of the arrangements in place at Pampa and the Sannidhanam along with Travancore Devaswom Board president K. Ananthagopan.

According to the Minister, over 13 lakh people have already booked slots for darshan through the virtual queue system and the pilgrim footfall is expected to improve as the weather conditions stabilise.

“As more devotees begin to arrive, the traditional Sabarimala path via Neelimala-Appachimedu may be opened to devotees. The departments concerned have been directed to set up two health centres along this route,” said the Minister.