KOTTAYAM: Two years have passed since the pandemic, but the Kerala government has still not lifted the travel ban imposed on the Kanana Patha route to Sabarimala. During the last season, the route was open to pilgrims only up to noon every day. Devotees demand that 24-hour entry should be allowed for the convenience of those coming from other states, with just two weeks left for the Mandala Puja season to start. Kanana Patha is 46 km away from Erumeli.
As per legend, Lord Ayyappa went to Sabarimala from Erumeli via Kananapatha after killing the demon princess Mahishi. Ardent devotees travel via this route barefoot and conduct Pooja at special locations midway through the journey before reaching the holy shrine at Sannidhanam.
Last time, entry was allowed from Koyikavvu till 12 noon and from Mukkuzhi till 1 pm. Before Covid, about 11 lakh devotees used to travel through Kanana Patha. After the regulation, the numbers plummeted to just four lakhs.
If the restrictions continue...