Unprecedented rush in Sabarimala; People wait in queues for over 24 hours

Sabarimala: Sabarimala is currently experiencing an unprecedented rush in visitors, with a record-breaking number of devotees ascending the 'Pathinettam Padi' on Sunday. Over 1 lakh pilgrims trod upon the golden stairs on that day, marking the highest turnout for a single day this season. As per the figure, approximately 72 people ascended the stairs every minute.

The rush is largely due to the holiday season. In addition to this, it is that time of the year when a lot of rituals happen at the shrine. 

The rush had become so much that devotees who arrived at the place on Sunday morning could finally have a glimpse of the ‘idol’ only on Monday morning! Now, that’s a one-day-long wait! Long queues sprawled out from Sannidhanam to Neelamala. Traffic restrictions were imposed in Pampa in a bid to control the crowd.  

However, officials opined that the situation was well under control.