Pilgrim footfall at Sabarimala crosses 22 lakh in 29 days

This marks an increase of 4,51,043 pilgrims compared to the same period last year

The daily cap on virtual queue bookings for darshan notwithstanding, pilgrim footfall at Sabarimala has recorded a sharp surge with a corresponding growth in revenue during the first month of the annual pilgrimage season.

According to official estimates, 22.67 lakh devotees visited the sacred hillock in the first 29 days of the season till December 14. This marks an increase of 4,51,043 pilgrims compared to the same period last year. Revenue collections during this period also soared to ₹163.89 crore, ₹22.76 crore higher than last year’s earnings.

Of the total revenue, income from the sale of aravana alone contributed ₹82.67 crore, while hundi collections amounted to ₹52.27 crore, reflecting an increase of ₹8.35 crore compared to last year. Given the sharp rise in devotees, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) counts on nearly 15 lakh more pilgrims to visit Sabarimala this season.

The Thanka Anki procession, carrying the golden attire of the deity, will commence from the Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula on January 22. The motorised chariot carrying the attire will receive receptions at various points en route before arriving at Pampa on January 25. The main deity at the Ayyappa temple here will be adorned with the attire during the deeparadhana ritual later in the evening.

The karpurazhi ritual, performed by the police and TDB staff, is scheduled for December 23 and 24, respectively.

Meanwhile, a high-level review meeting here on Sunday (December 15) called for enhanced health measures at the temple. A separate health team, including personnel trained in administering artificial respiration, will be stationed near the temple Sopanam. Trained police officials will also be on standby to assist in emergencies.

Additional District Magistrate Arun S. Nair, overseeing the pilgrimage arrangements, has directed immediate evacuation of individuals staying within the copra yard premises at Sannidhanam and removal of accumulated sacks behind the aravana plant.

The meeting also decided to dismantle the fencing around the tree at Vavaru Nada to curb littering by devotees.

Published - December 15, 2024 06:39 pm IST