Makaravilakku preparations: Massive police force and crowd management at Sabarimala

Sabarimala (Kerala): More than 2,000 police officers have been deployed in and around Sannidhanam ahead of the Makaravilakku festival on January 14 as preparations intensify to manage the anticipated influx of devotees.

Currently, 1,500 police personnel are on duty at Sannidhanam, with an additional 500 officers scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. Additional deployments will also be made at Pampa and Nilakkal to ensure smooth crowd management and prevent uncontrolled rushes.

Double duty to strengthen security

The 1,500 officers already on-site will work double shifts of six hours each, while newly arrived personnel will work a single shift on Makaravilakku day. It is estimated that this arrangement will provide security coverage equivalent to 3,500 officers.

Authorities are particularly focused on managing pilgrims who arrived early at Sannidhanam and the surrounding areas. If those currently on the hill do not descend in time, it could create a major congestion risk. Evacuation measures are being undertaken to remove unauthorised overnight stays on the hill.

Forest road closures and additional staff deployment

The Forest Department will close the forest road on Makaravilakku day morning and redeploy its staff to Sannidhanam and nearby areas. A total of 120 forest officials will be stationed across Pampa, Sannidhanam, Pullumedu and Ponnambalamedu to assist in security and crowd management.

KSRTC prepares 1,000 buses for festival traffic

To facilitate travel for devotees, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has readied 1,000 buses, including 160 chain services currently operating on the Pampa–Nilakkal route. Depending on traffic, an additional 250 buses may be deployed. Currently, 290 conductors and 310 drivers are on duty, with further staff mobilisation planned if required.

Ban on private vehicle parking

Authorities have also banned private vehicle parking at the hilltop from 8 am on Monday to 12 noon on Thursday. Only KSRTC buses and official security vehicles will be allowed; private vehicles must park at Nilakkal, from where chain services will ferry devotees back after Makara Jyothi darshan.

Prasadam purification rituals begin ahead of Makaravilakku

Ahead of the festival, 'Prasadasudhdhi'(prasadam purification) rituals will begin at 5 pm on Monday at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Following Usha Pooja (early morning pooja) on Tuesday morning, 'Bimbasudhdhi' (idol purification) will commence, after which the Neyyabhishekam will resume. The rituals are being conducted under the guidance of Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, and authorities confirmed that there will be no disruption to darshan.