Sabarimala Witnesses Heavy Pilgrim Rush and Protests Amidst Restrictions

As the Mandala Puja at Sabarimala approaches, the pilgrimage site is facing a surge in the number of devotees, leading to challenges in managing the heavy rush. In response to uncontrollable traffic at Pampa, authorities allowed pilgrims to take an alternative route through Neelimala and Appachimedu Saranapatha. However, this redirection led to extended lines of pilgrims, causing significant delays at steep hike points like Neelimala and Appachimedu. The situation became more intense as devotees staged protests in Erumeli, expressing dissatisfaction with the restrictions imposed on vehicles heading to Pampa. The protest resulted in traffic disruptions, including blocked KSRTC buses, and added to the congestion in Nilakkal.

The ongoing developments highlight the need for effective crowd management strategies and communication to ensure the safety and smooth flow of pilgrims during the Mandala Puja season at Sabarimala. Authorities may need to reassess their approach to handling the heavy influx and address concerns raised by devotees to maintain a peaceful pilgrimage environment.