70,000 Virtual Slots: Sabarimala Prepares for Mandalam Season Opening

In response to strong feedback from Hindu religious groups and devotees, the Travancore Devaswom Board has adjusted its approach to allow for spot bookings, addressing the difficulties faced by pilgrims in securing slots online. This adjustment comes as the Sabarimala temple inaugurates its doors for the 'Thulam' month pooja, setting the stage for the forthcoming 'Mandalam' season. Initially, the government had set a daily limit of 80,000 devotees, but this has been revised to 70,000 for those booking online, with the remaining 10,000 slots being allocated for on-the-spot bookings. This move aims to alleviate the technical challenges encountered during online booking and ensures a smoother pilgrimage experience.

The decision to reserve 10,000 slots for spot booking was made after considering the significant demand from devotees and various groups who argued that reliance solely on virtual booking could impede some pilgrims' journeys to Sannidhanam. A senior Travancore Devaswom Board member emphasized that while virtual booking is recommended for a hassle-free experience, the option for spot booking caters to those who might face difficulties with online reservations. This strategic allocation aims to enhance crowd management and mitigate the issues faced last year, where poor management and queue systems led to significant dissatisfaction among pilgrims, especially those from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, who had to return without visiting Sannidhanam.

Last year, the pilgrimage season saw the online booking system allocating 70,000 slots to devotees. However, speculation about the introduction of spot bookings gained momentum following an announcement by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Addressing the legislative assembly, the Chief Minister indicated that online registration would not be a prerequisite for darshan at the hill shrine, responding to concerns raised by MLA V Joy. This announcement was a pivotal moment, signaling a shift towards inclusivity and accessibility in the pilgrimage process.

Vivek Narayanan, a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience covering diverse fields ranging from politics to sports, is currently reporting on Kerala's developments for the TV9 Network. With a keen interest in football, Narayanan strives to highlight positive stories that can potentially impact the community. His comprehensive coverage includes everything from local issues to significant political events, underlining his commitment to journalism that makes a difference. The Travancore Devaswom Board's decision to accommodate 10,000 spot bookings alongside the 70,000 online slots is a testament to the board's adaptability and commitment to addressing the concerns of the pilgrim community. By prioritizing the pilgrims' convenience and the sanctity of the pilgrimage experience, the board aims to ensure a smoother, more organised Mandalam season, avoiding the challenges of the previous year and fostering a more inclusive and accessible spiritual journey for all devotees.