Sabarimala Chaos: Kerala CM Assures Control Amid Mega Rush, Protests, and Blocked Vehicles | Reasons Explained

The renowned Hindu temple, Sabarimala Shrine, dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, is experiencing unprecedented footfall this year, with pilgrims expressing discontent due to inadequate amenities and safety measures.

Local reports reveal that, in light of the overwhelming rush, numerous devotees, hailing from places like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, have opted to abandon their pilgrimage to the shrine and return home. Pilgrims reportedly faced hours of waiting as police blocked vehicles, leading to frustration among visitors.

A report from Online Manorama highlighted that Sabarimala pilgrims took to the streets on Tuesday, blocking the road at Erumeli to protest against authorities’ decision not to permit them into Pampa.

Devotees from various states staged a protest by blocking the Erumeli-Ranni road. An altercation between devotees and the police occurred at Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple earlier in the morning, as pilgrims were prevented from proceeding to Sabarimala despite waiting for hours, as reported.

The situation escalated when hundreds of devotees, who had reached Ettumanoor temple the previous morning, were not allowed to continue their journey to Sabarimala due to the crowd in Erumeli and Pampa.

“I came to Sabarimala when I was a child with my father decades ago. Still, I clearly remember the picturesque route. This is the first time I left my house for the hill shrine with my family after I became an elderly woman. I was anxious to see the present status of the trekking route from Pampa to Sannidhanam and Sabarimala. Unfortunately, we were forced to cut short our journey at Nilakkal today (Tuesday). The situation at Nilakkal instilled fear in us. We are now returning from Pandalam,” said 60-year-old Omana, a pilgrim from Arimpur in Thrissur, as quoted by The New Indian Express.

According to TNIE, the police blockade caused devotees to take over eight hours to reach Nilakkal from Erumely. The overcrowded buses to Pampa further complicated the situation.

Concerns for the safety of children and the elderly prompted pilgrims like Ashok Kumar from Puranattukara in Thrissur to conclude their pilgrimage at Nilakkal and return by 6 am. They performed rituals at Pandalam temple before departing.

The Kerala High Court addressed the escalating situation at Sabarimala on Tuesday, directing authorities to ensure support for pilgrims reaching the shrine and provide adequate parking facilities. The court emphasized control over the rush and cleanliness in the queue complex. Additionally, it urged the Travancore Devaswom Board to consider providing drinking water and biscuits through NSS volunteers or Local Self Government Institutions.

The court stressed the deployment of sufficient security personnel on parking grounds and the arrangement of additional facilities at the shrine for pilgrims, including children.

Amid the chaos, reasons for the surge in pilgrim numbers were outlined, including disruptions caused by a flood in Chennai, elections in Telangana, and challenges in the planning and coordination of police systems in Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilakkala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified on the situation, denying an “uncontrollable situation” and emphasizing the government’s careful management. He outlined significant allocations for Sabarimala’s development, including rest areas and facilities at key locations.

Vijayan acknowledged the increased footfall, citing factors like floods in Chennai, Telangana elections, and the extension of darshan time. He assured arrangements for stranded devotees with drinking water kiosks and tanker lorries supplying purified water.

As the chaos continues, the Kerala High Court’s directives aim to address the challenges faced by Sabarimala pilgrims and ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience.