As the annual pilgrimage season intensifies, the Sabarimala temple authorities have introduced strict crowd management measures, capping daily entries at 1 lakh pilgrims and limiting spot bookings to 20,000.
The move comes amid a rapid increase in footfall and multiple safety concerns.
According to the latest update from the Express Web Desk, the restrictions were enforced after incidents on Tuesday highlighted the urgent need for tighter crowd control.
Recent Incidents Trigger Tighter Rules
1. Woman Dies in Darshan Queue
A woman from Koyilandy collapsed while waiting in the darshan queue and later passed away.
The incident raised serious concerns about:
Overcrowding
Long wait times
Inadequate medical assistance in congested areas
2. Bus Carrying Pilgrims Overturns in Kottayam
In another disturbing event, a bus carrying 33 pilgrims from Karnataka overturned near Erumely while overtaking another vehicle on a slope.
Several passengers reportedly suffered injuries.
These back-to-back incidents pushed authorities to impose immediate restrictions to prevent further risks.
New Restrictions Announced
✔ Daily Pilgrim Entry Capped at 1,00,000
Only one lakh pilgrims will be allowed per day to maintain manageable crowd levels.
✔ Spot Bookings Restricted to 20,000
Spot bookings — often used by last-minute or unregistered visitors — have been reduced drastically.
✔ Stricter Queue and Waiting Arrangements
Authorities are enhancing:
Medical support
Crowd barriers
Queue regulation systems
✔ Close Monitoring of Rush Hours
Traffic and footfall are being monitored in real time to control peak-time surges.
Why These Measures Were Needed
Sabarimala sees one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world.
The recent crowd surge has led to:
Long waiting hours
Health emergencies
Traffic bottlenecks on approach routes
Pressure on local infrastructure
With lakhs of people visiting daily, stricter rules were deemed essential for safety.
Advice for Pilgrims
To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, authorities recommend:
Booking slots in advance
Avoiding last-minute travel without reservations
Following queue regulations strictly
Staying hydrated and alert
Avoiding overcrowded time slots
Using official routes and not taking shortcuts
FAQs
1. What is the new entry cap for Sabarimala?
A maximum of 1 lakh pilgrims per day.
2. How many spot bookings are allowed now?
Only 20,000 spot bookings per day.
3. Why were these rules introduced?
Due to overcrowding, a death in the queue, and a bus accident involving pilgrims.
4. Will online bookings continue?
Yes, online booking remains the safest and recommended option.
5. Are further restrictions expected?
Authorities may adjust rules depending on crowd levels and safety assessments.
Published on : 19th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit: Content based on report from Express Web Desk.