Daily cap on virtual queue bookings; High Court issues strict security guidelines for Makaravilakku

KOCHI: The High Court has issued strict instructions to control the crowd and ensure security in Sabarimala and the pilgrimage route on the occasion of Makara Vilakku.

Virtual queue booking has been fixed for 30,000 people on the 14th, the day of Makara Vilakku. The total will be 35,000 on the 13th. 50,000 people will be allowed virtual passes daily from 15 to 18, and 30,000 on the 19th. All these bookings have been completed. Spot booking has been limited to 5000 people.

Ayyappa devotees have been camping in the Poongavanam areas and areas from where Makara Jyothi can be seen for three days before Makara Vilakku. The order of the Devaswom bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was made considering this.

No entry if arriving on wrong date and time

• Those without a pass will be strictly stopped. Those who come with the wrong date and time will also not be allowed. Drinking water, snacks and food should be ensured for the devotees.
• Pilgrims will not be allowed from Nilakkal to Pampa after 10 am and from Pampa to Sannidhanam after 11 am.
• Strict restrictions will be imposed at Sannidhanam from 12 pm to receive the Thiruvabharanam procession and for cleaning.
• Restrictions on media personnel from 6 pm to 7 pm. Only two accredited staff from each institution will be allowed. Tripods and cables are not allowed in the temple premises.

Traditional routes

• Only 1,000 pilgrims will be allowed on the forest path via Erumeli on the 13th and 14th and 1,500 via Satram-Pullumedu.
• The forest department should ensure that no one enters the Appachimedu-Bailey Bridge forest path.
• Not more than 5,000 people will be allowed at Pullumedu to see the Makaravilakku. They should have passes.
• Only those in charge of the Makara Jyothi ceremony will be allowed at Ponnambalamedu.

Parking restrictions may be imposed at Pampa Hilltop for the speedy return of pilgrims.

The court order stated that the directions will not be violated and that priority should be given to the safety and health of devotees.