Spot booking to be known as Tatkal Booking? Government and Devaswom Board looking for another name to hide embarrassment

PATHANAMTHITTA: The government and the Devaswom Board, which were forced to go back on their decision not to allow spot booking for Sabarimala darshan, are looking for another name to hide their embarrassment. Spot booking centres were open till last season at major transit points for those coming without online booking. It was announced that Akshaya Centers would be set up for booking this time. It is also being considered if the name can be changed to Tatkal Booking. This is on the pattern of railway tatkal tickets. Other suggestions before the board are also being considered.

No fee was charged for spot booking till last year. A fee will have to be charged if the booking is done through Akshaya Centers. Rs 20 per person is being considered to be charged as a fee. The fee may be reduced to Rs 10 if there is a protest. The police are upset that the Devaswom Board took over the online booking by going to the high court. It is for the police to manage the crowd by enduring hardships. Therefore, it has also been opined that a share of the booking fee should be given to the police. It has also been suggested that the new booking system should be handed over entirely to the police. The board is concerned that if the police are not kept pleased, there will be an artificial rush like last year where devotees will be stranded on the road for up to 12 hours.

The government and the board's decision to stop spot booking this time was corrected following the intervention of Kerala Kaumudi. A decision on all matters will be taken at the Devaswom Board meeting to be held on the 30th of this month. The Sabarimala temple will be opened on the 16th of next month for the mandala kala pilgrimage.