Kerala’s grandest pilgrimage season has begun at Sabarimala, with the Thirunada Mandalvilak opening today for devotees. The doors will remain open until January 20, with a brief pause before the Makaravilakku pujas. This year, the Devaswom Board has extended darshan facilities to 18 hours daily, aiming to offer a more seamless experience for the massive number of pilgrims expected. According to the Devaswom authorities, facilities have been arranged for 70,000 devotees daily through the virtual queue and an additional 10,000 through spot booking. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan assured devotees that no one would be turned away without darshan.

The meticulous arrangements made by the Devaswom Board at the Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal, and Erumeli centers are intended to facilitate a safe and enriching pilgrimage. However, concerns remain about the system’s resilience under an overwhelming influx of devotees, as seen in previous years. If the crowd exceeds 80,000 on any given day, darshan hours will be extended by half an hour to manage the flow. While the government initially mandated virtual queues as the only entry option, significant public protest led to a reversal, allowing devotees—including those from other states—access through spot booking as well. This adjustment is a welcome relief, underscoring the need for balanced policies that consider the public’s needs.

Crowd management remains the Devaswom Board’s highest priority, and this year’s arrangements appear to prioritize both movement and safety. To ensure smooth proceedings, personnel involved must be well-versed in Sabarimala’s unique management procedures. The role of experienced police officers and timely intervention by trained personnel is essential, as minor disputes and miscommunications can escalate in such high-stress situations. Moreover, the Devaswom Board’s introduction of a free Rs. 5 lakh insurance scheme for pilgrims and on-duty staff is a commendable step in safeguarding everyone involved in the pilgrimage. Covering incidents in the Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, this initiative reflects a commitment to both spiritual and practical support.

The logistics of vehicle management and parking at Pampa, Nilakkal, and Erumeli have also been strengthened. Parking areas have been expanded, aiming to eliminate last year’s congestion issues that left vehicles and devotees stranded for hours. A FASTag system has been implemented to streamline parking and reduce delays, reflecting a proactive approach to minimizing bottlenecks on busy pilgrimage routes.