Sabarimala runs out of Appam amid heavy rush; devotees face long queues
Sabarimala: Devotees faced considerable hardship while waiting to collect Appam and Aravana at Sannidhanam, which opened for the Chithira Atta Thirunal pujas. Many managed to buy the prasadam only after standing in queues for hours. By Saturday morning, stocks of Appam had been completely exhausted.
The shortage has exposed the Travancore Devaswom Board's claims that all preparations had been completed. Despite the temple remaining open for just a single day, the authorities failed to make adequate arrangements to meet the demand.
Long delays at the distribution counters further aggravated the situation. Ever since the temple opened on Friday evening, a heavy rush had been reported at the prasadam counters. However, only six counters, including those for online bookings, had been set up. Despite severe congestion, the Devaswom Board failed to issue instructions to open additional counters or deploy more staff.
Over the past three years, the number of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala during the Atta Thirunal has increased significantly, particularly those arriving from other states. Despite being aware of this trend, the authorities failed to anticipate the demand and stock adequate quantities of Appam.
Aravana distribution had also been disrupted during last month's pujas due to maintenance work at the production plant. The Devaswom Board President had said that once the plant became fully operational, it would be able to produce 3.5 lakh tins of Aravana a day. However, the distribution of prasadam at Sannidhanam on Chithira Atta Thirunal day was far from efficient. The board failed to assess the rush that had built up since Friday evening and take timely measures to manage it. The lapses have triggered protests among devotees.
With the temple scheduled to reopen on November 16 for the Mandala season, the rush witnessed during the Thulam month pujas and Chithira Atta Thirunal has highlighted the need for far more effective preparations and crowd management.