SABARIMALA: A huge decline in the number of 'malikappurams' reaching Sabarimala was noted following the strict measures imposed at Sabarimala. This is following the protests at Sannidhanam when the temple was opened for the monthly poojas of Thulam and during Chithira Aatta Visesham. Earlier, thousands of 'malikappurams' had reached the hill shrine on a daily basis. However, only a few of them have reached Sannidhanam during this pilgrimage season.
It has also been hinted that the police measures at Sannidhanam and Nilakkal also resulted in the decline in number of devotees. Pampa coast was completely destroyed in the floods and reconstruction work is ongoing. This has also affected the number of devotees reaching Sabarimala.