No spot booking for Sabarimala darshan: Poor crowd management and online system raise concerns

Pathanamthitta: The recent decision to allow only pilgrims who book through the virtual queue system during this Sabarimala pilgrimage season, starting from November 16, may pose a challenge for lakhs of ordinary devotees hoping to visit the temple. The cessation of spot bookings at Nilakkal and Pampa could lead to protests.

In an effort to control overcrowding, the Devaswom Board has decided to permit only 80,000 pilgrims per day to visit Sabarimala. However, some argue that the issues during the previous pilgrimage season were not caused by overcrowding but by poor crowd management. Complaints surfaced that the difficulties were exacerbated by police officers who lacked experience in handling the crowd.

During the last pilgrimage, although the footpath leading to the temple was congested, the flyover at Thirumuttam (temple courtyard) remained largely empty. This meant fewer people reached the Sanctum Sanctorum at the same time, which many attributed to inadequate crowd control by the police while pilgrims ascended the Pathinettampadi (18 divine steps to the Thirumuttam).

Rather than addressing the issue of crowd management, the current decision focuses on reducing the number of pilgrims allowed. During the initial period of last season, 80,000 pilgrims booked online, with an additional 20,000 availing of spot bookings. However, spot bookings were later reduced to just 10,000 per day. This year, if we estimate 10,000 spot bookings per day, around 6,40,000 pilgrims will miss the opportunity for darshan during the 64-day pilgrimage and Makaravilakku season.

Key issues

1. Devotees from remote villages, especially those from other states, may find it difficult to book online. Many cannot afford a computer or lack access to the internet. Previously, they could visit Nilakkal or Pampa and avail themselves of spot bookings.
2. Some pilgrims, particularly those from outside Kerala, may be unaware that only those with online bookings can visit, which could lead to confusion.
3. If someone who has booked online does not turn up, no one else can take their place. If spot booking existed, an opportunity for darshan could be made available for others as there would be vacant slots.
4. Many devotees decide to visit Sabarimala at the last minute. Under the new system, they may not find slots as the quota fills up quickly.
5. If booked pilgrims are delayed due to traffic, they might miss their darshan time.
6. Pilgrims travelling via the traditional forest route through Erumeli may struggle to reach on time to meet their allotted slot.
7. Once online bookings open, there is a high chance that all slots will be filled quickly, leaving many without an opportunity to visit.