Sabarimala is not just a devotional centre. People from all walks of life and religion adhere to strict vegetarian regimens for 42 days before trudging the rutted, bumpy and thorn-filled paths towards the holy shrine. During the Makaravilakku season, the rush in the temple will break all proportions and it won’t be sufficient for the officials to curb down unless employ some special plan.

The Devaswom Board, Police and Government were well aware of the rush but they resorted to sleep until the issue went out of control. Many devotees are enduring the drastic fate of not receiving food or water for as long as 18 hours. With the details coming out from the temple, it should be learned that such a rush is unprecedented in Sabarimala.

The experience of having to wait for eighteen to twenty hours in a queue extending to Sannidhanam without facilities for drinking water can be described as hellish. For people coming with children, the situation is claustrophobic.

The number of pilgrims who had booked for Darshan this past Sunday alone is more than one lakh. On Sunday the numbers were 90,000. One should note that these are not any special days but the rush is confounding for the officials. The High Court had directed that a separate queue should be established for those coming with babies and the elderly.

It is a shame that it required the court intervention for the Devaswom officials and the government to come out from their reverie and take the necessary steps to stop the rush. Albeit the rush occupying the headlines in media channels and debates, the Devaswom Board and the state government are still moving at a snail's pace to tackle it down and make necessary amendments for a safer pilgrimage.

At a time when the officials should have sorted out the rush, they have stooped to staggering levels and are now engaged in a debate of mudslinging, shifting the blame on police officials. The plight is equally arduous for the pilgrims coming across the borders of Kerala. The state known for its hospitality towards people from neighbouring states is now hanging their heads in shame for the disastrous management.

In terms of income, Sabarimala's attendance is double that of any other place of worship in Kerala. The revenue of the last Mandal- Makaravilakku season alone was more than Rs 351 crores. More than three crore devotees have visited the temple as of now. This time only 25 days have passed since the Mandala Puja. Last day's disturbing scenes reveal the inadequacy of facilities provided by the government, which promotes and often boasts about its capability in hospitality and tourism.

Yesterday, when considering the plea related to congestion in Sabarimala, the government informed the High Court that everything is under control! The petition is being considered again on Tuesday. If lapses occur again, the situation may worsen and will invite calamity. It is still a pity that the inept handling is taking place in one of the world's most revered pilgrimage centres. It is the need of the hour for the government and the Devaswom board to come up with pragmatic solutions, to end the chaotic mess in Sabarimala.