PATHANAMTHITTA: Sabarimala temple opened for the Mandala pilgrimage season on Sunday. Owing to the COVID-19 situation, the entry will be only for 1000 devotees per day who booked for the darshan starting on Monday. However, on Saturdays and Sundays, 2000 devotees will be allowed in the temple. There will be no special poojas on Sunday.

The entry for pilgrims will be under strict restrictions. Pilgrims won't be allowed to stay in Pamba or Sannidanam. All the pilgrims should compulsorily carry a Covid-19 negative certificate after testing within 24 hours prior to their trip. The entry of devotees to the temple for darshan will be completely based on virtual queue registration.

The Mandala season starting on Monday will be till December 26. The temple will then open for Makaravilakku festival on December 30. The annual Makaravilakku is on January 14.