Sabarimala Pilgrims from Chennai Return Without Darshan, Cite Long Queues and Police Non-Cooperation

A group of 35 pilgrims from Chennai, including children, had to return without performing darshan at Sabarimala due to long queues and alleged non-cooperation from the police. Arriving at Pampa on Friday evening, the group learned that they might have to wait in queues for up to ten hours. When they attempted to join the pilgrim queue after bathing in Pampa, they claimed that the police, including children, were pushed. Dissatisfied with the experience, the group decided to return and, on their way back, visited the Othera Punnakad Ayyappa temple where they performed rituals. The group, which included lawyers and government officials, plans to file a complaint with the Tamil Nadu government and share their ordeal with the media.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by pilgrims during the rush at Sabarimala and raises concerns about crowd management and police cooperation. Pilgrims come from various parts of the country to visit the Sabarimala temple during the pilgrimage season, and ensuring a smooth and organized experience for all devotees becomes crucial. Authorities need to address issues related to queue management, provide timely information, and coordinate effectively with pilgrims to avoid such situations in the future, ensuring a positive and fulfilling pilgrimage experience for all.