Only hours left for Makara Jyothi, pilgrims throng Sabarimala for makaravilakku darshan

PATHANAMTHITTA: With only hours left for the Makara Jyothi, Sannidhanam and its surroundings are filled with Ayyappa pilgrims. Thiruvabharanam will be brought to the temple in a procession followed by Deeparadhana, sighting of the Makara Jyothi at Ponnambalamedu. All arrangements have been made to view the makaravilakku from more than 10 locations. As part of security, 2000 policemen have been deployed from Pampa to Sannidhanam. Pilgrims will not be allowed to leave from Pampa after 12 noon as the Thiruvabharan procession is coming.

Meantime, Idukki District Collector Sheeba George informed that medical facilities, ambulance services including of fire force and recovery van are ready. Arrangements for Makara Jyothi darshan have been completed at Pullumedu, Parunthumpara and Panchalimedu in Idukki. The district collector visited all the three places and reviewed the arrangements. 1400 policemen have been deployed for security and traffic control. A meeting of the motor vehicle department, police and fire force was held at Kuttikanam. Parking on the national highway will be completely avoided. Restrictions will be imposed on goods vehicles from Mundakayyam and Kumili from 5 pm onwards.