Masks not mandatory for Sabarimala pilgrimage

PATHANAMTHITTA: Devotees can perform darshan at Sabarimala during pooja days in the month of Thulam without masks. The health department said that it would be difficult to hike Sabarimala by wearing masks. The devotees are advised to maintain social distancing during their hike. As entry is controlled, it is assumed that there won't be any rush in Pamba and Sannidhanam. Only after the person climbing the holy steps reach the fourth step, the next person will be allowed to climb the first step. The police's virtual queue booking for darshan has been completed. After the portal was opened on Saturday night, 1250 persons booked within two hours. Only these people will be able to visit Sabarimala-250 devotees each for 5 days.

Sabarimala will be opened on Friday evening and closed on Wednesday night. The ones in the virtual queue will have to leave after performing darshan on the specified day. Those coming after the set date will have to antigen test at Nilakkal. Devotees won't be allowed to stay at Sannidanam.