Sabarimala: Spot booking likely to be allowed; no one will have to return without getting darshan, says Devaswom Board

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Travancore Devaswom Board, in its review meeting held on Friday, decided to inform the government that spot booking for Sabarimala darshan should not be completely discontinued. There are indications that the next review meeting, which will be attended by the Chief Minister, may decide to allow spot booking as well. This decision comes in light of the strong protests against the earlier decision to allow only online booking this time.

At Friday's meeting, a proposal was raised to conduct spot booking in Pampa by collecting photographs and identity documents such as Aadhaar. Meanwhile, CPM state secretary MV Govindan stated in a press conference that the government does not have the stubbornness that only online booking will be allowed this time.

"The government will make necessary changes if it is found that the complaints regarding restrictions are genuine. Many people, including those from other states, are unaware of the online system. Hence, the government will take an appropriate decision on this matter," Govindan said.

"None of the devotees will have to return without getting darshan," said Board President PS Prasanth after the review meeting on Friday.

Citing the importance of collecting accurate information about pilgrims, the meeting presided over by the Chief Minister last Saturday had decided to allow only a maximum of 80000 people to visit Sabarimala temple per day through online booking.

Security issues
According to government sources, the decision to allow only online booking for the Sabarimala pilgrimage was made following a police intelligence report indicating that certain individuals posing a threat to Sabarimala’s security might arrive during the pilgrimage season. However, there is a counter-argument that the possibility of misuse by exploiting the flaws in the online system cannot be ruled out.

Mandalam-Makaravilakku season: Darshan timings extended.

The revised darshan timings are:
- 3:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Previous timings were:
- 3:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM