Sabarimala Introduces Special Gate System for Children’s Smooth Pilgrimage

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has implemented a special gate system at Sabarimala to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience for children. In response to criticism from political opposition and concerns about facilities for devotees at the shrine, the TDB introduced a system allowing children to have a front-row darshan of Lord Ayyappa, avoiding long queues. The new system has been deemed a success, bringing joy and relief to parents, especially those from outside Kerala. The TDB president emphasized that the board would strictly implement the government’s directive to provide maximum facilities for women, children, and differently-abled individuals.

Additionally, the TDB announced that free Wi-Fi services would soon be available at Sabarimala to enhance the pilgrimage experience. The move aims to provide relief to devotees who face difficulties in contacting their homes and other places due to a lack of network coverage. The Wi-Fi service, to be provided by BSNL, will be accessible for a maximum of 30 minutes for each devotee. In the first phase of the project, 15 Wi-Fi hotspots will be installed, with BSNL already launching free Wi-Fi services at the queue complexes. Sabarimala has witnessed huge crowds as its portals opened for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakkku pilgrimage season, which began on November 17 and spans 41 days.