Kerala Government May Increase Virtual Queue Bookings for Sabarimala Pilgrimage

The Kerala government has announced its plans to review and potentially enhance the daily cap on virtual queue bookings for the ongoing Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The decision comes amidst expectations of an increased rush of devotees to the iconic Sabarimala temple.

The annual pilgrimage season, which spans 41 days, began on Saturday, coinciding with the start of the auspicious Malayalam month of Vrichikam. Addressing the press, State Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan stated that the current limit for virtual queue bookings is set at 70,000 pilgrims per day, with an additional 10,000 slots available for spot bookings at counters along the pilgrimage route.

Minister Vasavan emphasized that the government’s top priority is ensuring every devotee has the opportunity to offer prayers at the sacred hill shrine. “We will assess the situation before deciding whether to increase the virtual queue booking limit,” he said.

Smooth Darshan for Thousands of Devotees

The minister shared data from Friday, revealing that 30,000 pilgrims had booked darshan via the virtual queue system, with 26,942 devotees successfully making it to the temple. Including those who opted for the spot booking system, the total number of visitors on the day was 30,657.

Authorities clarified that any unused slots from the virtual queue system will be reallocated for spot bookings to maximize the number of pilgrims able to visit the temple.

Extensive Arrangements in Place

To ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, various departments, including the police, have collaborated to manage the crowds and maintain safety. From traffic arrangements to crowd management at the hill shrine, the government has left no stone unturned in its preparations for the season.

The Mandalam-Makaravilakku season is one of the most significant religious events in Kerala, attracting devotees from across the country. With the government closely monitoring the situation, an official decision regarding an increase in virtual queue bookings is expected in the coming days.