Thiruvananthapuram: In light of new guidelines, pilgrims planning to visit Sabarimala are now required to cancel their virtual queue booking if they change their pilgrimage date to avoid forfeiting the chance for rebooking. This new regulation aims to manage the high demand effectively and improve the pilgrimage experience. Going forward, all virtual queue bookings will be based on Aadhaar identification, making the process more streamlined and secure.
The revised system allows 70,000 pilgrims to enter Sannidhanam through online reservations, while an additional 10,000 pilgrims can enter via spot booking by providing their Aadhaar information at designated entry points. For pilgrims unable to make their scheduled visit, their booking slot will be reassigned to walk-in pilgrims at the entry points. Pilgrims can cancel their booking easily through a WhatsApp link or the online booking system. Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth confirmed that provisions are in place to accommodate pilgrims above the designated capacity, ensuring everyone has access to darshan.
While Aadhaar is the primary ID for booking, alternative identification such as a passport or voter ID card will also be accepted. Indian citizens holding foreign passports can use their passports for entry.
In an effort to improve security and entry efficiency, pilgrims opting for spot bookings at entry points—Pamba, Erumeli, and Vandiperiyar-Sathram—must complete their visit within a 12-hour period. The verification process involves a quick QR code scan, which authenticates the pilgrim’s information without displaying their photo on the ticket. As of the latest update, 40% of the available spots have been booked in the virtual queue, with no slots remaining for key dates in November.
