Sabarimala Darshan: Favourable move for spot booking, Government may give in to Devaswom Board policy

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Devaswom Board is considering withdrawing its support for a government decision to halt spot bookings at Sabarimala. A review meeting today at the board headquarters will address objections raised against this decision, following widespread protests after a meeting with the Chief Minister, where it was decided that only pilgrims with online bookings would be allowed entry.

The Devaswom Board believes that pilgrims from other states, who may be unaware of the online booking system, should still have the option to make spot bookings at Pampa or Nilakkal. The board plans to communicate its position to the minister after discussing potential issues that could arise from stopping spot bookings.

In the upcoming review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, the Devaswom Board may seek approval to resume spot bookings at Pampa or Nilakkal, especially with the Sabarimala pilgrimage set to begin on November 17.

Additionally, the Sabarimala Karma Samiti convened yesterday and decided to organize strike programs in response to the Devaswom Board's stance on spot booking. The Karma Samiti has submitted a petition to the board president requesting the continuation of spot bookings.