Pamba, Kerala: The Sabarimala pilgrimage season has been marred by an unprecedented rush of devotees, leading to chaos and frustration among pilgrims. Reports indicate that many pilgrims, including those from other states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, were unable to reach the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum) and had to return from Pandalam after breaking coconuts and offering prayers at the local temple.
The massive influx of pilgrims has overwhelmed the infrastructure and resources at Sabarimala. Long queues for darshan, inadequate transportation facilities, and a lack of proper crowd management have resulted in widespread discontent. Pilgrims have complained about waiting for hours on end, only to be turned back due to limited darshan slots.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of additional KSRTC buses and ineffective police deployment. Many pilgrims stranded for hours have expressed dissatisfaction with the authorities’ handling of the situation.
To protest the inconveniences faced by devotees, activists and members of the Youth Congress held demonstrations at Nilakkal and the Devaswom Board headquarters. The protests highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, better crowd management, and efficient transportation facilities to handle the large number of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala.
Meanwhile, the UDF MPs raised the issue in Parliament, drawing attention to the chaos and mismanagement at the pilgrimage site. They demanded immediate intervention from the government to address the concerns of the devotees and ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience for everyone.
With the heavy rush expected to continue in the coming days, the Travancore Devaswom Board and local authorities face a significant challenge in managing the situation effectively. Implementing efficient crowd control measures, increasing transportation facilities, and addressing the concerns of the pilgrims are crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience for everyone.
Key points:
- Uncontrolled pilgrim rush leading to chaos and frustration.
- Pilgrims unable to reach sanctum sanctorum, forced to return from Pandalam.
- Long queues, inadequate transport, and ineffective crowd management.
- Protests by devotees and demand for improved infrastructure and management.
- UDF MPs raise issue in Parliament, demanding government intervention.
- Need for urgent action to improve pilgrimage experience.
