THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At least 18,000 pilgrims will be able to visit Sabarimala every day through spot booking if the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board break their stubbornness and objectively assess the situation.

According to the Devaswom Board, at least 20% of those who book online for Sabarimala darshan do not turn up. During the previous mandala period, 90,000 people were provided darshan facility through online booking and 15,000 through spot booking. 18,000 people can have darshan instead of the 20% who book online but do not arrive. Considering the last time's figures, 33,000 people can have darshan through spot booking. However, the government and the Devaswom Board are of the stand that this time only 80,000 people who book online will be allowed to have darshan. This is the maximum allowed daily devotees and spot booking has been avoided.

This will be a setback for pilgrims from Kerala and other states. A large proportion of the pilgrims from the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are villagers. Many of them have no idea about online booking. Spot booking was a blessing for those who could not book online due to technical glitches.

Spot Booking

• One counter each in Kumily, Erumeli, Mundakayam, Aluva, Ettumanoor, Chengannur, Pandalam and Kottarakkara. 10 counters in Nilakkal and five in Pampa
• Between 90,000 and 1.25 lakh people came for darshan.

Tirupati model not practical

• The Devaswom Board's argument is that the new arrangements are aimed at arranging the darshan on the lines of Tirupati and that the figures and information of those arriving at Sannidhanam are necessary for security.
• Sabarimala, which opens five days for the monthly puja and two months for the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, cannot be compared to Tirupati, which is open for darshan everyday.
• The data collection of those coming for darshan can be ensured through spot booking.

"The decision to avoid spot booking was taken at a meeting attended by the chief minister. There is no need to change that decision now."

V. N. Vasavan,

Devaswom Minister