Kerala Implements Online Booking for Sabarimala Pilgrimage
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Kerala Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan announced in the legislative assembly that the state government will regulate the number of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season through an online booking system. This decision aims to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience by limiting daily pilgrims to 80,000.
Opposition’s Concerns
Opposition leader VD Satheesan urged the government to reconsider abolishing spot bookings, highlighting that many devotees, especially from other states, are unaware of the online system. He argued that restricting entry to online bookings could prevent thousands of devotees from having a darshan at Sabarimala.
Government’s Response
Minister Vasavan explained that the decision was made after a virtual meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, involving the Devaswom Minister, Travancore Devaswom Board, police, and district administration. Past experiences showed that spot bookings led to overcrowding, exceeding the manageable limit of 80,000 pilgrims daily.
Infrastructure and Management
The government plans to implement virtual queue booking, color-coded slots, and real-time information on pilgrimage routes. Regular updates on bookings will be shared with district administration and police for effective crowd management. The Minister assured that necessary infrastructure and amenities would be in place to manage the flow of pilgrims efficiently.
Conclusion
Minister Vasavan emphasized that the online system would provide a more organized pilgrimage experience, ensuring safety and convenience for devotees. The government remains open to suggestions and will continue to evaluate the system for improvements.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India, known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Minister VN Vasavan -: VN Vasavan is a government official in Kerala, serving as the Devaswom Minister, responsible for managing temples and religious affairs in the state.
Sabarimala Pilgrimage -: The Sabarimala Pilgrimage is a religious journey to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and attracts millions of devotees every year.
Online Booking System -: An online booking system is a way to reserve a spot or ticket using the internet, which helps manage the number of people visiting a place, like the Sabarimala Temple.
VD Satheesan -: VD Satheesan is a political leader in Kerala, serving as the opposition leader, who represents the views of those not in the ruling government.
Virtual Queue -: A virtual queue is a digital system that allows people to wait in line online, rather than physically standing in line, making it more convenient and organized.
