Sabarimala: Cong-led UDF seeks implementation of spot booking amid online booking concerns

On Wednesday, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition urged the state government to allow spot booking for pilgrims during the upcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, expressed concerns in the House about the current system, which confines booking to online mode and limits the number of pilgrims to 80,000 per day.

He argued that this approach would negatively impact thousands of pilgrims, particularly those from other states who may not be computer-literate. Satheesan highlighted that pilgrims completing the 41-day fasting period would be denied the chance to pray at the shrine, potentially leading to significant issues in the state. In response, Satheesan called on the government to urgently consider allowing spot bookings during the pilgrimage season.

However, state Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan disagreed with the opposition's claims, stating that the decision to restrict pilgrim numbers to 80,000 and limit bookings to online was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on October 5. Vasavan explained that last year’s experience, when spot bookings were allowed, resulted in overcrowding and difficulties in providing necessary facilities for a smooth pilgrimage experience. Therefore, the minister noted, it was decided to limit the daily number of pilgrims to 80,000 and allow only online bookings. He also mentioned that during the virtual queue booking process, pilgrims would have the option to select their travel route.