Makaravilakku Pilgrimage: Heavy Pilgrim Rush at Sabarimala Today

Pathanamthitta: The Sabarimala Sannidhanam has been witnessing a sustained influx of pilgrims since the temple reopened for the Makaravilakku festival, with the heavy rush that began on Tuesday continuing through Friday. According to official figures, 59,506 devotees had climbed the hill from Pamba by 6 pm on Thursday.

Authorities are regulating the movement of devotees from Pamba based on the crowd situation at Marakootam to prevent congestion. The inflow has increased notably over the past two days, largely due to a rise in the number of pilgrims arriving from other states. On Wednesday alone, as many as 90,350 devotees had darshan, while 57,256 pilgrims visited the shrine on Tuesday, the first day after the temple opened for the Makaravilakku season.

With the crowd swelling, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place under the leadership of the police. A total of 1,593 personnel are deployed under the coordination of Ernakulam Crime Branch Superintendent of Police M. Krishna. The security team includes 10 Deputy Superintendents of Police and 35 Circle Inspectors.

Police deployment has been strengthened at key locations, including Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Marakootam, Sopanam, the Pathinettam Padi (18 Steps), Nadappanthal, U-turn points, Sharankuthy, Kodimaram, Malikappuram, Pandithavalam and areas under the Kerala State Electricity Board, to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and maintain law and order during the peak festival days.