PATHANAMTHITTA: On Sunday, Sabarimala recorded the most crowded pilgrimage day of this season, and the rush is showing no signs of coming down even on Monday. To alleviate much of the concern, the police are now stopping devotees in Nilakkal and other major spots, which has led to strong protests from the devotees. Stranded in the scorching heat with children, many have raised complaints about inept management in the temple that makes the journey arduous, taking up to 16 long hours for the pilgrimage.

Devotees reported that there was no adequate food, drinking water or toilet facilities in the detention areas, and all were left to stay inside their vehicles for indefinite hours. Ayyappa devotees protested by blocking roads in Kottayam, Vaikom and Ponkunnam, The police are currently aiming to pacify the incensed devotees. In some places. Police also provided drinking water and other refreshment to stranded devotees.

On the Pala-Ponkunnam road, there was a traffic jam on the eight-kilometre road from Elikulam to Elangulam temple.